 Prebiotics can help with the following: | |  | | | Parasites |  Giardiasis Infection | Prebiotics, such as fructooligosaccharides, may play a minor role in the management of giardiasis, since they primarily affect the large intestine. Prebiotics possess limited ability to alter the small bowel ecosystem and most likely have no effect in the proximal section of the small bowel where giardia resides. Prebiotic fermentation increases short-chain fatty acid production in the colon, and subsequent increased mucin production in the GI tract, which may enhance giardial clearing. Only minimal dosages of prebiotics can be used (e.g. 2gm twice daily), as symptoms such as abdominal bloating and flatulence may increase. |
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KEY | | May do some good |
GLOSSARY
Abdomen (Abdominal)
That part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, bladder, pancreas and other organs.
Colon (Colonic)
The part of the large intestine that extends to the rectum. The colon takes the contents of the small intestine, moving them to the rectum by contracting.
Fatty Acids (Fatty Acid)
Chemical chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms that are part of a fat (lipid) and are the major component of triglycerides. Depending on the number and arrangement of these atoms, fatty acids are classified as either saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated. They are nutritional substances found in nature which include cholesterol, prostaglandins, and stearic, palmitic, linoleic, linolenic, eicosapentanoic (EPA), and decohexanoic acids. Important nutritional lipids include lecithin, choline, gamma-linoleic acid, and inositol.
Flatulence
Abnormal amount of gas in the stomach and intestines.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Giardiasis (Giardia)
An intestinal tract infection caused by Giardia lamblia, a flagellate protozoa now common to much of the world. It is not normally a very serious infection, but nevertheless unpleasant.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Proximal
Nearer to a point of reference such as an origin, a point of attachment, or the midline of the body.
Small Intestine (Small Bowel)
The small intestine lies between the stomach and the large intestine. It is about 6 meters (20 feet) long and its primary function is to digest (break down) food and absorb nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats). The small intestine makes up more than 70% of the length and 90% of the surface area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Last updated: May 18, 2008
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