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Probiotics as cancer prevention
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Various research groups have repeatedly proven that bacteria living in the human intestine can affect well-being and cause a number of disorders and diseases, in particular, obesity and depression. According to the latest data, intestinal bacteria can prevent the development of certain types of cancer.
A new study was conducted in a laboratory at the University of California, where scientists have found that certain microorganisms can slow down or even stop the development of malignant tumors in the body. It is quite possible that in the future, the analysis of intestinal bacteria will help reduce the risk of developing cancer and, if necessary, a course of probiotics will help humanity protect itself from cancer.
The human intestine is home to a huge number of bacteria, both beneficial and not so beneficial. Each type of microorganism has its own properties, and research has shown that Lactobacillus johnsonii 456 bacteria, which are beneficial and are also widely used outside of medicine, can affect human health. Tests have shown that Lactobacillus johnsonii 456 significantly reduce inflammatory processes in the body and DNA damage. It is worth noting that inflammation plays a major role in the development of many diseases, including oncology, neurodegenerative, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, etc. Researchers have stated that by influencing the intestinal microflora, it is possible to significantly slow down the growth of a malignant tumor, and probiotics can help prevent the development of certain types of cancer.
To confirm the theory, scientists conducted experiments with rodents that had certain gene mutations that caused Louis-Bar syndrome (a rare hereditary disease that affects the skin and nervous system). The neurological disorder can provoke the development of leukemia, lymphoma, and some other types of cancer.
All experimental rodents were divided into two parts - some received bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties, others - microorganisms typical for intestinal microflora, both with anti-inflammatory and inflammatory properties. During the observations, the scientists noted that in rodents in whose intestines "good" bacteria predominated, lymphoma (tumors from immune cells) developed longer. In the intestines of rodents that received a large number of beneficial bacteria (anti-inflammatory), metabolites were found that prevented the development of malignant tumors, and in this group of rodents, improved metabolic processes were observed, which also reduces the likelihood of cancer.
Among other things, scientists noted an increase in life expectancy in rodents with “good” microflora, less gene damage and minor inflammatory processes in the body.
As a result, the researchers noted that taking probiotics will help regulate the composition of intestinal microflora and can be an excellent preventive measure for preventing the development of malignant tumors.
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