Probiotics are living microorganisms which when taken in adequate amount provides benefit to the host. While this beneficial effect was originally thought to stem from improvements in the intestinal microbial balance, there is now substantial evidence that probiotics can also provide benefits by modulating immune functions. Extrapolation of immunomodulatory effects found in the laboratory and in animal studies with outcomes in human trials presents a difficult challenge.

Not all probiotics are created equal and the benefits are strain and dose specific. With newer strain-specific clinical trials and meta-analysis of the clinical trials, the beneficial role of probiotics in certain diseases has been evolving. Some uncertainity still exists with probiotics in other diseases with regard to the therapeutic role, strain-specificity, dosage and duration. Identification of clinical characteristics of effective probiotic strains, their mechanisms of action and testing of probiotic-based treatment may provide the true beneficial effect of probiotics in various disorders.

The word ‘probiotic’, derived from the Greek language, means ‘for life’ was first used by Kollath. Lilly and Stillwell defined probiotics as   substances   produced   by   microorganisms   which   promoted   the   growth of other microorganisms. According to the currently adopted definition by  FAO/WHO,  probiotics  are:  “Live  microorganisms  which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”.

Prebiotics are indigestible food ingredients that selectively promote the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria, thereby benefiting the host. Synbiotics are combinations of probiotics and prebiotics designed  to  improve  the  survival  of  ingested  microorganisms  and  their colonization of the intestinal tract.

Joise Angelina
Journal of Probiotics & Health
Whatsapp No.: +32 25889658
biotechbiomaterials@journalres.org