Probiotic drinks won’t do much for force-fed mice killed in research

READERS will be shocked to hear the real story of the animal experiments behind the report on health benefits of probiotic drinks (‘Probiotic drinks have a range of positive effects’, January 18).

Despite there being more effective and humane methods available, researchers in London and Switzerland force fed six-day-old mice bacteria extracted from the faeces of a human baby, then fed probiotics to test their effect on bacteria in their stomachs. The mice were killed after two weeks so the effects on their guts could be examined. As a scientist, I don’t understand why a similar study looking at the effects of probiotics on faeces, blood and urine of humans could not have been conducted thereby avoiding experimenting on animals.

For a start the animals were fed a standard rodent diet which, needless to say, is very different to ours.

More than 80% of people in Britain said they’d be concerned to learn of such food tests on animals in a survey carried out by independent research group NFP Synergy on behalf of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection. I’m sure Irish citizens would be equally appalled.

That’s why we’re calling on governments to stop licensing such experiments immediately. To find out how you can support our campaign visit www.buav.org .

Dr Katy Taylor

British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection

16a Crane Grove

London N7 8NN