In the first of two probiotics studies, 53 healthy Belgian
volunteers aged 19 to 26 took several forms of probiotics over
two four-week periods, separated by a two-week non-treatment
period. Scientists collected waste (feces) before and after each
treatment period and found that those who had taken two types of
probiotics (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains)
separately or together, had significantly less activity of a
type of enzyme (beta glucuronidase) that encourages toxins and
cancer-causing (carcinogenic) agents to recirculate in the
intestine—a risk factor for colon cancer. In a study of
irritable bowel syndrome, researchers gave a daily placebo or
probiotics combination for six months and found that those who
had taken probiotics had 42% fewer symptoms—such as abdominal
pain, bloating and gas—compared to 6% for placebo. In a vitamin
study, 57 subjects with Crohn’s disease (CD), a chronic
inflammatory condition, took 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 800 IU of
vitamin E per day or a placebo for four weeks