Colon Cancer Prevention through Probiotics: An Overview

Abstract

Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host. Beneficial aspects of probiotics include alleviation of lactose intolerance, control of diarrhoea, urogenitalinfection, reduction in cholesterol level and relief from irritable bowel syndrome, antioxidant potential, and pathogen inhibition. These days research is focussing on probiotics usage in colon cancer prevention because of its positive outcomes. Scientific evidences indicate a strong association between diet, lifestyle, and changes in gut microflora composition which may initiate the onset of colon cancer. Probiotic usage in colon cancer prevention is a new direction of research and most of the studies related to colon cancer prevention are still unclear and effects are in observed form, so confirmation studies are needed in this respective area and also there is a need to standardize methodology. This review presents information about mechanism of different probiotic actions, factors contributing colon cancer risks and how probiotics are helpful in preventing colon cancer with supporting scientific based evidence and various experimental studies.