Access
This article is part of Nature's premium content.
Published online 3 February 2004 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news040202-1
News
Probiotic bacteria health boon
Gut-friendly bugs don't have to be alive to boost immune system.
Television advertisements are filled with advice about the benefit of foods containing 'friendly' bacteria, such as probiotic yoghurt. But a US-led research team now says that you don't need live bacteria to boost your digestive system — just their DNA.
To read this story in full you will need to login or make a payment (see right).
Comments
Reader comments are usually moderated after posting. If you find something offensive or inappropriate, you can speed this process by clicking 'Report this comment' (or, if that doesn't work for you, email redesign@nature.com). For more controversial topics, we reserve the right to moderate before comments are published.