The risk of cancer in relationship to diet

Bratisl Lek Listy. 2008;109(7):320-3.

Abstract

Globally, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of mortality due to malignant diseases. Probiotics are live microbial food supplements or functional foods containing specific nonpathogenic organisms that beneficially affect the host by improving the intestinal microbial balance. Therefore they can be used as an innovative tools to alleviate intestinal inflammation, normalize gut mucosal dysfunction, and down-regulate hypersensitivity reactions. In the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase of experiments and studies documenting prophylactic and therapeutic benefits of probiotics and prebiotics in order to reduce the risk of chronic civilization diseases. The current knowledges on probiotics qualify them as the pivotal components of self-care and complementary medicine (Ref. 27).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colorectal Neoplasms / etiology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / microbiology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Diet / adverse effects
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Humans
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use*