LACTULOSE, LACTIC-ACID BACTERIA, INTESTINAL MICROECOLOGY AND MUCOSAL PROTECTION

During the fermentation of lactulose, short-chain fatty acids are form ed with consequent lowering of the colon pH and modification of the mi croflora. Lactulose promotes the growth of lactic acid bacteria and bi fidobacteria and, more specifically, Lactobacillus acidophilus in the colon. Lactulose and lactulose-containing products fermented with lact ic acid bacteria lower colonic pH balancing intestinal microecology an d normalizing intestinal transit. In animal studies, lactulose promote s a mainly Grampositive faecal microflora, but large doses of lactulos e may be associated with transient diarrhoea. Our studies indicate tha t lactulose with lactic acid bacteria effectively relieves constipatio n in human volunteers. Lactulose with lactic acid bacteria in a fermen ted diary product can balance and prevent radiotherapy-associated diar rhoea and intestinal side effects. Normalizing the intestinal flora an d stabilizing mucosal integrity with lactulose has beneficial effects in intestinal disorders. Lactulose and lactic acid bacteria offer a pr omising ingredient combination for future functional and special dieta ry foods in treating intestinal disturbances.