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EDITORIALS: Tim Lang Functional foods BMJ 2007; 334: 1015-1016 [Full text]

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Yogurt and Probiotics

Hugh Mann   (19 May 2007)

Functional foods are not super-foods

M Justin S Zaman   (22 May 2007)

Yogurt and Probiotics 19 May 2007
Hugh Mann, Physician Eagle Rock, MO 65641 USA Send response to journal: Re: Yogurt and Probiotics	Yogurt is outdated milk that has been recycled by adding certain bacteria, which are supposedly good for you. These "good" bacteria are called probiotics to distinguish them from antibiotics, which can be harmful. Actually, the distinction between "good" and "bad" bacteria is artificial; all bacteria can be harmful, and yogurt is not good for you. Fresh milk is better than spoiled milk, and we don't need foreign bacteria. We need our own bacteria, which are produced by our intestines through proper nutrition and the avoidance of toxins and addictions. It amazes me that the food industry has been able to fool so many people with yogurt. Competing interests: None declared
Functional foods are not super-foods 22 May 2007
M Justin S Zaman, Research Fellow in Epidemiology/Specialist Registrar in Cardiology University College London WC1E 6BT Send response to journal: Re: Functional foods are not super-foods	In the same way that vitamins are over-used, as perceived antidotes to unhealthy diets, 'cholesterol-lowering' spreads may be used not as an alternative to butter but used too liberally, increasing fat intake rather than replacing atherogenic fats. Public understanding needs to keep up with private marketing, and ultimately, we need to change the way we produce and consume food. Competing interests: None declared