By Helen Briggs Health reporter, BBC News
Broccoli Broccoli is high in vitamins and minerals
Extracts of broccoli and banana may help in fighting stomach problems, research
suggests.
Laboratory studies show fibres from the vegetables may boost the body's natural
defences against stomach infections.
Trials are under way to see if they could be used as a medical food for
patients with Crohn's disease.
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes symptoms such as
diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
It affects about 1 in 1,000 people, and is thought to be caused by a mixture of
environmental and genetic factors.
The condition is common in developed countries, where diets are often low in
fibre and high in processed food.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool looked at how roughage from
vegetables influenced the passage of harmful bacteria through cells inside the
gut.
They found that fibres from the plantain, a type of large banana, and broccoli,
were particularly beneficial. But a common stabiliser added to processed foods
during the manufacturing process had the opposite effect.
Dr Barry Campbell, from the University of Liverpool, said: "This research shows
that different dietary components can have powerful effects on the movement of
bacteria through the bowel.
"We have known for some time the general health benefits of eating plantain and
broccoli, which are both high in vitamins and minerals, but until now we have
not understood how they can boost the body's natural defences against infection
common in Crohn's patients.
"Our work suggests that it might be important for patients with this condition
to eat healthily and limit their intake of processed foods."
M-cells
The research, published in the journal Gut, and carried out in collaboration
with experts in Sweden and Scotland, investigated special cells, called
M-cells, which line the gut and ward off invading bacteria.
Work was carried out in laboratory-grown cells and tissue samples from patients
undergoing surgery for stomach problems.
Clinical trials are now underway in 76 Crohn's patients to find out whether a
medical food containing plantain fibres could help keep the disease at bay.
"It may be that it makes sense for sufferers of Crohn's to take supplements of
these fibres to help prevent relapse," said Professor Jon Rhodes of the
University of Liverpool.
Commenting on the study, a spokesperson for Crohn's and Colitis, which
represents patients with inflammatory bowel disorders, welcomed further insight
into how the gut combats bacteria like E.Coli.
"Knowledge of the M-cell role offers a more detailed explanation as to why a
healthy diet can improve the health and well being for people with Crohn's
disease and healthy individuals alike," she said.