Is a Well-Intentioned Drive to Include Probiotics Inadvertently Contributing to Obesity, Cholesterol and Other Health Problems?

Jackson GI Medical releases new analysis suggesting that nutritionally-neutral supplements may be a better choice than food products "enhanced" with prebiotics and probiotics. Enhanced foods, such as yogurt or fiber bars often bring extra calories, fat, cholesterol and sugar along for the ride.

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Comparision of Prebiotic Sources

Camp Hill, PA (PRWEB) June 12, 2009

Prebiotics and Probiotics are undoubtedly of benefit to supporting health. Peer-reviewed clinical studies have repeatedly pointed to their power to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, enhance bone health, support immune function, reduce cancer factors and, of course, enhance digestive health, including regularity, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. A concise sampling of recent research is readily available in the "clinical research" section of Prebiotin.com.

As 'buzz' about these benefits builds and consumers try to add prebiotics and probiotics to their diet, the medium is often heavily-marketed yogurts, 'snack' bars and other foods with prebiotics and probiotics added.

A newly-released comparative analysis by Jackson GI Medical demonstrates that yogurts, fiber bars and even bananas bring along dramatically higher calories, fat, sugars, sodium and cholesterol than a pure prebiotic supplement.

This new analysis focuses on prebiotics - specialized fibers that nourish beneficial bacteria - and shows the nutritional 'load' that rides along with achieving an appropriate daily serving of prebiotics. The comparison includes a plain prebiotic supplement, alongside a leading yogurt, snack bar, and bananas - often cited as one of the richest food sources of prebiotics. The analysis is attached to this release; and also available at Prebiotin.com)

It is, of course, incumbent on the consumer to read labels carefully and make informed dietary decisions. Nevertheless, the concern that consumers on a quest to "do the right thing" for their health may inadvertently be contributing to a too-high caloric, sugar, cholesterol and fat load in their diet, thus actually exacerbating the very problems they are seeking to address.

For more information, visit http://www.prebiotin.com.

*Activia is a registered trademark of Danone
**FiberOne is a registered trademark of General Mills.

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