Marmite 'may help fight superbug'
Tuesday 28 August 2012
Related articles
A Marmite ingredient could help doctors defeat the MRSA superbug, research suggests.
Scientists have found that high doses of niacin, or vitamin B3, massively boost the body's defences against staphylococcus bacteria.
In tests, the immune system's ability to kill different strains of the bugs, including MRSA, was increased up to 1,000 times.
The discovery could mark a turning point in the battle against growing numbers of antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
One of the most notorious is MRSA, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a potentially deadly strain that poses a major threat in hospitals.
Marmite is especially rich in B vitamins, including niacin.
But to provide the benefits seen in the study, much higher B3 concentrations would be needed than can be obtained from the yeast extract spread.
The researchers used clinical "megadoses" of niacin far beyond what any normal diet would provide, but similar to those previously given to patients undergoing treatment.
However the scientists warned people not to start taking high doses of niacin without medical supervision.
In the studies of mice and human blood samples, big doses of the vitamin increased both the numbers and effectiveness of neutrophils - specialised white blood cells that kill and eat harmful bacteria.
Lead researcher Dr Adrian Gombart, from Oregon State University in the US, said: "This is potentially very significant, although we still need to do human studies.
"Antibiotics are wonder drugs, but they face increasing problems with resistance by various types of bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus.
"This could give us a new way to treat staph infections that can be deadly, and might be used in combination with current biotics. It's a way to tap into the power of the innate immune system and stimulate it to provide a more powerful and natural immune response."
Co-author Dr George Liu, also from Oregon State University, said: "This vitamin is surprisingly effective in fighting off and protecting against one of today's most concerning public health threats."
The research is published today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Dr Gombart stressed that so far there was no evidence to suggest normal diets or conventional-strength B3 supplements could help prevent or treat bacterial infections.
Ten years ago he discovered a human genetic mutation that makes people more vulnerable to bacterial infections.
Further work showed that niacin has the ability to "turn on" anti-microbial genes that help the immune system fight off bacteria.
PA
Life & Style blogs
Million pound investment to bring Liverpool homes back into use
Dozens of empty homes in two of Liverpool’s most deprived areas will be brought back into use thanks...
London renters are getting poorer and moving further out
Plus, do energy saving measures boost house prices?
- 1 Serena Williams apologises after comment that rape victim 'shouldn't have put herself in that position'
- 2 Disability campaigners celebrate 'victory' after government rethink over plans to make it more difficult to claim disability benefits
- 3 Bankers could face jail after report urges the Government to introduce new criminal offence for reckless management
- 4 Breaking the Silence: In the reality of occupation, there are no Palestinian civilians – only potential terrorists
- 5 We never knew Nigella Lawson - and we still don’t
How will you make today delicious?
Tell us how you plan to make today delicious and you could win a £50 M&S gift card.
Win a Nook® Simple Touch eReader
Find out how Nook® is supporting the Evening Standard's Get Reading campaign - and your chance to win one.
Free reading festival for families
Follow The Standard's campaign to get London's children reading - and experience this unique event at Trafalgar Square on 13 July.
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
iJobs Food & Drink
Graduate Trainee Opportunity – Executive Recruitment
£20,000 - £45,000 OTE: Co-Venture: Working on international markets without ge...
Graduate Trainee – Recruitment Consultant
£20,000 - £45,000 OTE: Co-Venture: Working for this company will give you a ch...
Associate/Director of Transport
£40000 - £60000 Per Annum: The Green Recruitment Company: The Green Recruitmen...
Travel Sales Consultant
£18000 - £35000 per annum + Award-Winning Benefits & Uncapped Comm: Flight Cen...
First night: The Cripple of Inishmaan
Scandi-geeks descend on Nordicana for fan-convention
Female aristocrats battle to inherit the title





Comments