Scientists Discover Protein in Nappy Contents

Apr 17, 2012 by Probiotics

Dr Catherine Stanton and Dr Rebecca Wall at the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre in Teagasc Moorepark Food Research centre in Fermoy have discovered after several years of research that there is protein in the contents of a baby’s nappy that improves the function of the brain. This new research has just been published in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

This designer probiotic bacteria has the potential to improve brain function when mixed up in yoghurt or as a drink and their research showed that mice fed with the bacteria had altered brain fatty acids.

“The finding that bacteria in our gut influences the composition opens up new possibilities for the use of probiotic foods in the promotion of human health and mental well being,” said Dr Stanton, who was senior author of the publication.

“The bacteria has to be alive for it to work and the next phase is to carry out trials on humans and see if this probiotic increases memory function and learning ability. Once those trials are successful then there is the possibility of commercial companies looking to licence this produce.”

These findings could lead to designer probiotics for improved cognition and brain function.

The Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) is a research centre funded by the Science Foundation Ireland and in partnership between UCC and Teagasc and they focus their research in gastrointestinal health