Doctors unveil latest weapon against hospital superbugs - drinking probiotic yoghurt

Health chiefs believe they may have found an antidote to the hospital superbug crisis.

They are giving out free pots of probiotic drinking yoghurt to patients in the hope it will help combat the rise of Clostridium difficile.

Probiotics are "friendly" or beneficial bacteria that live in and help regulate the digestive system.

The trial is being carried out by Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

Its medical director Matthew Fletcher said:

"There is some evidence to suggest that using these probiotics may reduce a patient's risk of C.diff and we will be evaluating the difference it makes to the number of cases."

More than two million Britons now buy drinks, yoghurts and capsules containing probiotics.

There are 50 different such products marketed in the UK, making up an industry worth more than £135million a year.

Research shows they can restore a healthy digestive system, particularly after antibiotics have wiped out good as well as harmful bugs. But the mechanism is poorly understood.

Research suggests they help prevent bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis, protect children against allergies, and may even reduce the risk of colon cancer.

A study last year found drinking two pots a day stopped diarrhoea symptoms caused by C.diff and antibiotics.

Other studies show a regular supply can help hospital patients make speedier recoveries. It is now routine in some countries to give good bacteria to intensive care patients.

Scientists warned in 2006 that some probiotic products do not live up to the promises on their labels.

But the warning did not apply to major brands such as Yakult, Actimel and Vitality.