At Western Heads East we commonly receive inquiries concerning the safety, health benefits, and production of the probiotic cultures. In this month's News Update we would like to take some time to explain some of our most frequently asked questions.

What are probiotic cultures and why do we use them?

By definition, in order for any microbial strain to be deemed 'probiotic', it has to have been proven to confer a health benefit upon the host, and have undergone rigorous testing. The addition of helpful probiotic cultures to yoghurt allows the Mamas to produce yoghurt branded and known as 'Fiti', which means 'health' in Swahili. Swahili is the primary language spoken in many East African countries. There is evidence that the use of probiotic yoghurt can improve the immune function in some HIV patients. The health improvement of individuals receiving the Fiti has been recognized by both the Mamas and interns.

Are probiotic cultures safe to use?

There are two parts to this explanation. The first part concerns the safety of actually producing the probiotic culture and the second concerns the safety of providing such a product to individuals with compromised immune function.

The safety record of yoghurt with and without probiotics is exemplary. Clear processes and protocols for food handling are consistently implemented. Any remaining issues concerning adequate food handling and cross contamination are countered by the fact that fermented milk contained in yoghurt can itself act as an inhibitor of pathogens.

Further, the probiotic strains are known to inhibit the growth of harmful pathogens including E. coli, a common cause of potentially life-threatening symptoms such as diarrhea. Also, in the unlikely event that pathogenic contamination does ever occur, the yoghurt will immediately sour and become unsafe for consumption through both taste and visible appearance.

There have been studies performed testing for the concerns raised about giving probiotics to HIV/AIDS patients. It was once feared that the live bacteria contained in probiotic cultures would enter the bloodstream of immune suppressed patients. Research has provided us with evidence that probiotics can improve the gut barrier function that protects against bacterial translocation, thereby reducing rather than increasing the risk of infection by the probiotic or intestinal pathogens.

Where do we get the probiotic cultures?

There exist only 12 proven probiotic cultures in Canada, and each is owned by a for-profit company. In order to utilize the proven health benefits of probiotic cultures we were required to either pay one of the private companies for use of their particular culture or develop our own. Dr. Sharareh Hekmat, a professor of Foods and Nutritional Sciences at Brescia University College, developed the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 microbial strain. With the gracious approval of Dr. Hekmat, Dr. Gregor Reid, and Chr Hansen, the probiotic culture was donated for use in our humanitarian projects in 2004. Today, we rely on the support of local labs to provide the probiotic culture regularly to Mamas so that they may incorporate the product into their yoghurt for marketing and distribution. Researchers are currently trying to create a product that allows the kitchen mamas to simply add a pre-determined dried powder to the yoghurt to produce 'Fiti'. Unfortunately, this is not a simple process and the research is ongoing.

The latest probiotic research has been at the centre of our organization's motivation to help assist the millions of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. The incorporation of healthy probiotic bacteria into an easily produced yoghurt product has been empirically shown to lower mortality and increase the quality of life for those suffering from HIV/AIDS as well as from the effects of malnutrition.

Here at Western Heads East, we are always excited to share with you the latest ground breaking research that has granted us the ability to do what we do. Please take some time to review our collection of published research articles and publications to learn more about the benefits of probiotics.

Here at Western Heads East, we welcome many questions concerning how one can help contribute to our cause. While we are always open to accepting charitable donations, there are other ways that you can help make a difference in the lives of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Africa.

You can choose to participate in one of our many charitable events throughout the year or perhaps organize one yourself! If you are a student or staff member and do not have the time to join a committee, we encourage you come and help out with an event.

This year we have a 'pay it forward' bracelet campaign starting in late November and our goal is to have everyone on campus wearing one by the end of the year - come help make bracelets or help get the word out!

If you are a student interested in witnessing WHE initiatives in Africa first hand, you can apply for one of our student intern positions in Tanzania, Kenya, or Rwanda. However you choose to get involved, we encourage you to participate in this important cause. Without the help and support of the local community we could not have accomplished what we have.

Students and staff interested in joining the WHE fundraising committee can email westernheadseast@gmail.com.

Faculty members are invited to join the Research Committee to take part in the Western Heads East project. Please Contact whe.research@uwo.ca.

A Western Serves team made almost 400 bracelets and sold half, making nearly $400 in one hour for Western Heads East (WHE)!

On Saturday, September 26th, ten enthusiastic volunteers spent their afternoon learning more about the WHE program and contributing their energy to the "Pay It Forward" Bracelet campaign to be launched in November.

After learning about the campaign, the group spent an hour and a half making bracelets, rehearsing their sales pitches, then hit the streets to sell bracelets. Proceeds will help provide probiotic yoghurt for people living with AIDS in Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda and assist with student intern expenses.

The day was a great success and there was a good feeling in the room. One volunteer was excited to learn Western Heads East was a home grown program of The University of Western Ontario, as opposed to 'Western culture' program available at other Canadian universities.

A great big thank you to the wonderful group of volunteers, their group facilitator and the Western Serves program!