Good gut bacteria can help prevent cancer

New York : Anti-inflammatory properties of gut bacteria can slow or stop the development of some types of cancer, finds a new study conducted on mice.

In mice with more of the beneficial bacteria, the blood cell tumours took significantly longer to form.

The mice that received good bacteria lived four times longer and had less DNA damage and inflammation. Also, the mice microbiota produced metabolites that are known to prevent cancer.

Further, the mice showed increased efficient fat and oxidative metabolism which, the researchers believe, might also lower the risk for cancer.

The study, published online in the journal PLOS ONE, explains how intestinal microbiota might delay the onset of cancer, suggesting that probiotic supplements could help keep cancer from forming.