Introduction
Probiotics are considered "friendly" bacteria because they can provide health benefits when consumed regularly. In many ways, they function similarly to the bacteria that already exist in your gut, such as by providing a physical barrier to the lining of the intestinal tract. Sometimes, our natural gut bacteria can be disrupted by factors such as stress, illness, diet, antibiotic use, and aging. Consuming probiotics can help restore a balance of "good" to "bad" bacteria in these situations. Most of the evidence for probiotics shows that they may impact intestinal function, immunity, and intestinal disorders. This program will provide Physician Assistants with a background on probiotics as well as an overview of the potential health benefits associated with their consumption. Leading researchers will examine the mechanisms behind how they function in promoting health. The audience will become familiar with emerging research in the field of probiotics and will gain practical knowledge as to how they can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle.
The Health Benefits of Probiotics
Powerpoint Slides
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CME Credit
This program has been reviewed and is approved for 2.0 hours of AAPA Category I CME Credit. After viewing the webcast AAPA Fellow members may complete the post-test by clicking here. Expiration Date: August 2010.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this symposium, participants will be able to:
- Explain what constitutes a probiotic and provide an overview of probiotic foods.
- Explore the potential for probiotic health benefits in patients of all ages.
- Understand the importance of probiotic consumption via the latest scientific information, and how beneficial bacteria can play a role with various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Provide Physician Assistants with potential recommendations of probiotics for patients.
Faculty
Ellen Mandel, DMH, MPA, MS, PA-C (Moderator)
Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Program
School of Health and Medical Sciences
Seton Hall University
Mary Ellen Sanders, PhD
Consultant, Dairy & Food Culture Technologies
Executive Director
International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics
W. Allan Walker, MD
Conrad Taff Professor of Nutrition and Pediatrics
Harvard Medical School
Director, Mucosal Immunology Laboratory
Massachusetts General Hospital for Children
Yehuda Ringel, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Marin Floch, MD
Clinical Professor of Medicine
Yale University School of Medicine
Faculty Disclosures
Ms. Mandel has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Dr. Sanders disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: Consultant - Cadbury, CDRF, Danisco, Environ, Ganeden, Heinz, Martek, Medipharm, Nestle, New Hope Natural Media, Proctor and Gamble, Praxair, Quaker Oats, Sara Lee, Spherix, and Wyeth. Speaker - Chr. Hansens, Dairy Council of California, Dairy Council of Nebraska, General Mills, International Dairy Foods Association. Advisory Board - Dannon. Executive Director - International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics.
Dr. Walker disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: Advisory Board - Classado Limited, Dannon/Yakult International, Wyeth Nutritionals. Consultant - Nestle, USA. Advisory Board and Research Grant - Mead Johnson Nutritionals.
Dr. Ringel disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: Consultant - Solix Pharm., Wyeth, Ganeden Biotech. Grants/Research Support - GlaxoSmithKline, Solix Pharm., Procotor and Gamble, Danisco, General Mills. Speaker - Solix Pharm., Proctor and Gamble.
Dr. Floch disclosed the following relevany financial relationships: Honorarium - Proctor and Gamble. Consultant - Dannon. Grants/Research Support - Shire.
Statement of Commercial support
This program is supported by an educational grant from The Dannon Company, Inc. and Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.
