Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeasts. 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’. ^[1] Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common type of microbes used. LAB have been used in the food industry for many years, because they are able to convert sugars (including lactose) and other carbohydrates into lactic acid. This not only provides the characteristic sour taste of fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, by buffering the pH and creating fewer opportunities for spoilage organisms to grow, and lowering cholesterols in blood, hence creating huge health benefits on preventing gastrointestinal infections, hyperlipidemia, and hypertensions etc ^[2]. Strains of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are the most widely used probiotic bacteria. ^[3] A dietary supplement is intended to supply nutrients, (vitamins, minerals, fatty acids or amino acids) that are missing or not consumed in sufficient quantity in a persons diet. ... Phyla Actinobacteria Aquificae Chlamydiae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Lentisphaerae Nitrospirae Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Verrucomicrobia Bacteria (singular: bacterium) are unicellular microorganisms. ... Typical divisions Ascomycota (sac fungi) Saccharomycotina (true yeasts) Taphrinomycotina Schizosaccharomycetes (fission yeasts) Basidiomycota (club fungi) Urediniomycetes Sporidiales Yeasts are a growth form of eukaryotic microorganisms classified in the kingdom Fungi, with approximately 1,500 species described. ... Possible meanings: Faro Airport (Portugal) Federation of Astrobiology Organizations Financial Aid Office Food and Agriculture Organization This page expands a three-character combination which might be any or all of: an abbreviation, an acronym, an initialism, a word in English, or a word in another language. ... “WHO” redirects here. ... Species L. acidophilus L. bulgaricus L. plantarum L.reuteri etc. ... A microorganism or microbe is an organism that is so small that it is microscopic (invisible to the naked eye). ... This article deals with sugar as food and as an important, widely traded commodity; the word also has other uses; see Sugar (disambiguation) A sugar is a form of carbohydrate; the most commonly used sugar is a white crystalline solid, sucrose; used to alter the flavor and properties (mouthfeel, perservation... Lactose is a disaccharide that consists of β-D-galactose and β-D-glucose molecules bonded through a β1-4 glycosidic linkage. ... Carbohydrates (literally hydrates of carbon) are chemical compounds that act as the primary biological means of storing or consuming energy, other forms being fat and protein. ... For the production of milk by mammals, see Lactation. ... Human taste sensory organs, called taste buds or gustatory calyculi, and concentrated on the upper surface of the tongue, appear to be receptive to relatively few chemical species as tastes. ... For other uses, see Fermentation. ... Yoghurt Yoghurt or yogurt, less commonly yoghourt or yogourt, is a dairy product produced by bacterial fermentation of milk. ... For other uses, see PH (disambiguation). ... Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol). ... All diseases that pertain to the gastrointestinal tract are labelled as digestive diseases. ... Hypercholesterolemia (literally: high blood cholesterol) is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood. ... For other forms of hypertension, see Hypertension (disambiguation). ... Species L. acidophilus L. brevis L. delbrueckii subsp. ... Bifidobacteria (genus Bifidobacterium) are a group of anaerobic bacteria and a form of probiotic that is thought to have health-promoting properties for humans. ...

Probiotic bacterial cultures are intended to assist the body's naturally occurring gut flora to reestablish themselves. They are sometimes recommended by doctors, and, more frequently, by nutritionists, after a course of antibiotics, or as part of the treatment for gut related candidiasis. Claims are made that probiotics strengthen the immune system to combat allergies and other immunal diseases ^{[2], [4]}. Escherichia coli, one of the many species of bacteria present in the human gut. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... An antibiotic is a drug that kills or slows the growth of bacteria. ... A scanning electron microscope image of a single neutrophil (yellow), engulfing anthrax bacteria (orange). ... This article needs cleanup. ...

The rationale for probiotics is that the body contains a miniature ecology of microbes, collectively known as the gut flora. A number of bacterial types are thought to be thrown out of balance by a wide range of circumstances including the use of antibiotics or other drugs, excess alcohol, stress, disease, or exposure to toxic substances. In cases like these, the bacteria that work well with our bodies (see symbiosis) may decrease in number, an event which allows harmful competitors to thrive, to the detriment of our health. For other uses, see Body (disambiguation). ... For the journal, see Ecology (journal). ... A microorganism or microbe is an organism that is so small that it is microscopic (invisible to the naked eye). ... Escherichia coli, one of the many species of bacteria present in the human gut. ... An antibiotic is a drug that kills or slows the growth of bacteria. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... In medical terms, stress is the disruption of homeostasis through physical or psychological stimuli. ... This article is about the medical term. ... Toxic redirects here, but this is also the name of a song by Britney Spears; see Toxic (song) Look up toxic and toxicity in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For other uses, see Symbiosis (disambiguation). ... Competition is the act of striving against others for the purpose of achieving gain, such as income, pride, amusement, or dominance. ...

Maintenance of a healthy gut flora is, however, dependent on many factors, especially the quality of food intake. Including a significant proportion of prebiotic foods in the diet has been demonstrated^{[citation needed]} to support a healthy gut flora and may be another means of achieving the desirable health benefits promised by probiotics. Prebiotics are a category of functional food, defined as: Non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, and thus improve host health. ...

History of probiotics

Probiotics, which means "for life", have been used for centuries as natural components in health-promoting foods. The original observation of the positive role played by certain bacteria was first introduced by Russian scientist and Nobel laureate Eli Metchnikoff, who in the beginning of the 20th century suggested that it would be possible to modify the gut flora and to replace harmful microbes by useful microbes. ^[5] Metchnikoff, at that time a professor at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, produced the notion that the ageing process results from the activity of putrefactive (proteolytic) microbes producing toxic substances in the large bowel. Proteolytic bacteria such as clostridia, which are part of the normal gut flora, produce toxic substances including phenols, indols and ammonia from the digestion of proteins. According to Metchnikoff these compounds were responsible for what he called “intestinal auto-intoxication”, which caused the physical changes associated with old age. It was at that time known that milk fermented with LAB inhibits the growth of proteolytic bacteria because of the low pH produced by the fermentation of lactose. Metchnikoff had also observed that certain rural populations in Europe, for example in Bulgaria and the Russian Steppes who lived largely on milk fermented by LAB were exceptionally long lived. Based on these facts, Metchnikoff proposed that consumption of fermented milk would “seed” the intestine with harmless LAB and decrease the intestinal pH and that this would suppress the growth of proteolytic bacteria. Metchnikoff himself introduced in his diet sour milk fermented with the bacteria he called “Bulgarian Bacillus” and found his health benefited. Friends in Paris soon followed his example and physicians began prescribing the sour milk diet for their patients.^[6]
Henry Tissier, also from the Pasteur Institute, was the first to isolate a Bifidobacterium. He isolated the bacterium from a breast-fed infant and named it Bacillus bifidus communis.^[7] This bacterium was later renamed Bifidobacterium bifidum. Tissier showed that bifidobacteria are predominant in the gut flora of breast-fed babies, and he recommended administration of bifidobacteria to infants suffering from diarrhea. The mechanism claimed, was that bifidobacteria would displace the proteolytic bacteria that cause the disease.
German professor Alfred Nissle, in 1917 isolated a strain of Escherichia coli from the feces of a First World War soldier who did not develop enterocolitis during a severe outbreak of shigellosis.^[8] In those days, antibiotics were not yet discovered, and Nissle used the strain with considerable success in acute cases of infectious intestinal diseases (salmonellosis and shigellosis). Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 is still in use and is one of the few examples of a non-LAB probiotic.
In 1920 Rettger demonstrated that Metchnikoff’s “Bulgarian Bacillus”, later called Lactobacillus bulgaricus, could not live in the human intestine^[9], and the fermented food phenomena pitted out. Metchnikoff’s theory was disputable (at this stage) and people doubted his theory of longevity.
After Metchnikoff’s death in 1916 the centre of activity moved to the USA. It was reasoned that bacteria originating from the gut were more likely to produce the desired effect in the gut, and in 1935 certain strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus were found to be very active when implanted in the human digestive tract.^[10] Trials were carried out using this organism, and encouraging results were obtained especially in the relief of chronic constipation.
The term “probiotics” was first introduced in 1965 by Lilly and Stillwell, when it was described as growth promoting factors produced by microorganisms (protozoa).^[11]Contrasting antibiotics, probiotics were defined as microbially derived factors that stimulate the growth of other microorganisms. In 1989 Roy Fuller suggested a definition of probiotics which has been widely used: “A live microbial feed supplement which beneficially affects the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance”.^[12] Fuller’s definition emphasizes the requirement of viability for probiotics and introduces the aspect of a beneficial effect on the host.
In the 1960s the dairy industry began to promote new yoghurts and filmjölk containing Lactobacillus acidophilus. In the subsequent decades other Lactobacillus species have been introduced including Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus johnsonii, because they are intestinal species with beneficial properties.^[13] Phyla Actinobacteria Aquificae Chlamydiae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Lentisphaerae Nitrospirae Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Verrucomicrobia Bacteria (singular: bacterium) are unicellular microorganisms. ... The Nobel Prizes (Swedish: ), as designated in Alfred Nobels will in 1895, are awarded for physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. ... Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov (Илья Ильич Мечников) (also known as Eli Metchnikoff) (May 16, 1845, Ukraine – July 16, 1916, Paris) was a Russian microbiologist best remembered for his pioneering research into the immune system. ... Escherichia coli, one of the many species of bacteria present in the human gut. ... The meaning of the word professor (Latin: [1]) varies. ... The Pasteur Institute (French: Institut Pasteur) is a French non-profit private foundation dedicated to the study of biology, microorganisms, diseases and vaccines. ... This article is about the capital of France. ... The effects of ageing on a human face Elderly woman Ageing or aging is the process of systems deterioration with time. ... Putrefaction is the decomposition of proteins, especially by anaerobic microorganisms. ... Proteolysis is the directed degradation (digestion) of proteins by cellular enzymes called proteases or by intramolecular digestion. ... A microorganism or microbe is an organism that is so small that it is microscopic (invisible to the naked eye). ... Toxic redirects here, but this is also the name of a song by Britney Spears; see Toxic (song) Look up toxic and toxicity in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Grays Fig. ... Proteolysis is the directed degradation (digestion) of proteins by cellular enzymes called proteases or by intramolecular digestion. ... Phyla Actinobacteria Aquificae Chlamydiae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Lentisphaerae Nitrospirae Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Verrucomicrobia Bacteria (singular: bacterium) are unicellular microorganisms. ... Orders The Clostridia are a class of Firmicutes, including Clostridium and other similar genera. ... Escherichia coli, one of the many species of bacteria present in the human gut. ... Toxic redirects here, but this is also the name of a song by Britney Spears; see Toxic (song) Look up toxic and toxicity in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... In organic chemistry, phenols, sometimes called phenolics, are a class of chemical compounds consisting of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to an aromatic hydrocarbon group. ... Indole is an aromatic heterocyclic organic compound. ... For other uses, see Ammonia (disambiguation). ... For the industrial process, see anaerobic digestion. ... A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing coloured alpha helices. ... Elias Metchnikoff (Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov) was born in 1845, in a what is now Ukraine. ... Paul Kruger in his old age. ... Fermented milk products, also known as cultured dairy foods, cultured dairy products, or cultured milk products, are dairy foods that have been fermented with lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Lactococcus, and Streptococcus. ... Species L. acidophilus L. bulgaricus L. plantarum L.reuteri etc. ... Proteolysis is the directed degradation (digestion) of proteins by cellular enzymes called proteases or by intramolecular digestion. ... Phyla Actinobacteria Aquificae Chlamydiae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Lentisphaerae Nitrospirae Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Verrucomicrobia Bacteria (singular: bacterium) are unicellular microorganisms. ... For other uses, see PH (disambiguation). ... Lactose is a disaccharide that consists of β-D-galactose and β-D-glucose molecules bonded through a β1-4 glycosidic linkage. ... Elias Metchnikoff (Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov) was born in 1845, in a what is now Ukraine. ... Sign in a rural area in Dalarna, Sweden Qichun, a rural town in Hubei province, China An artists rendering of an aerial view of the Maryland countryside: Jane Frank (Jane Schenthal Frank, 1918-1986), Aerial Series: Ploughed Fields, Maryland, 1974, acrylic and mixed materials on apertured double canvas, 52... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... Fermented milk products, also known as cultured dairy foods, cultured dairy products, or cultured milk products, are dairy foods that have been fermented with lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Lactococcus, and Streptococcus. ... Species L. acidophilus L. bulgaricus L. plantarum L.reuteri etc. ... Elias Metchnikoff (Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov) was born in 1845, in a what is now Ukraine. ... In anatomy, the intestine is the segment of the alimentary canal extending from the stomach to the anus and, in humans and other mammals, consists of two segments, the small intestine and the large intestine. ... Species L. acidophilus L. bulgaricus L. plantarum L.reuteri etc. ... For other uses, see PH (disambiguation). ... Proteolysis is the directed degradation (digestion) of proteins by cellular enzymes called proteases or by intramolecular digestion. ... Phyla Actinobacteria Aquificae Chlamydiae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Lentisphaerae Nitrospirae Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Verrucomicrobia Bacteria (singular: bacterium) are unicellular microorganisms. ... Elias Metchnikoff (Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov) was born in 1845, in a what is now Ukraine. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... This article is about the capital of France. ... The word physician should not be confused with physicist, which means a scientist in the area of physics. ... The Pasteur Institute (French: Institut Pasteur) is a French non-profit private foundation dedicated to the study of biology, microorganisms, diseases and vaccines. ... Bifidobacteria (genus Bifidobacterium) are a group of anaerobic bacteria and a form of probiotic that is thought to have health-promoting properties for humans. ... Phyla/Divisions Actinobacteria Aquificae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chlamydiae/Verrucomicrobia Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Nitrospirae Omnibacteria Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Bacteria (singular, bacterium) are a major group of living organisms. ... An infant breastfeeding International Breastfeeding Symbol (Matt Daigle, Mothering magazine contest winner 2006) Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with milk from a womans breasts. ... “Baby” redirects here. ... Phyla/Divisions Actinobacteria Aquificae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chlamydiae/Verrucomicrobia Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Nitrospirae Omnibacteria Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Bacteria (singular, bacterium) are a major group of living organisms. ... A bacterial group (and probiotic) that is perceived to exert health-promoting properties within humans, specifically the colon. ... Escherichia coli, one of the many species of bacteria present in the human gut. ... An infant breastfeeding International Breastfeeding Symbol (Matt Daigle, Mothering magazine contest winner 2006) Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with milk from a womans breasts. ... A human infant The word Infant derives from the Latin in-fans, meaning unable to speak. ... Types 5-7 on the Bristol Stool Chart are often associated with diarrhea Diarrhea (in American English) or diarrhoea (in British English) is a condition in which the sufferer has frequent watery, loose bowel movements (from the Greek word διάρροια; literally meaning through-flowing). Acute infectious diarrhea is a common cause... A bacterial group (and probiotic) that is perceived to exert health-promoting properties within humans, specifically the colon. ... Proteolysis is the directed degradation (digestion) of proteins by cellular enzymes called proteases or by intramolecular digestion. ... Phyla Actinobacteria Aquificae Chlamydiae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Lentisphaerae Nitrospirae Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Verrucomicrobia Bacteria (singular: bacterium) are unicellular microorganisms. ... 1917 (MCMXVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar (see: 1917 Julian calendar). ... E. coli redirects here. ... Horse feces Feces, faeces, or fæces (see spelling differences) is a waste product from an animals digestive tract expelled through the anus (or cloaca) during defecation. ... Ypres, 1917, in the vicinity of the Battle of Passchendaele. ... Enterocolitis (or coloenteritis) is an inflammation of both the small and large intestine. ... Virus outbreaks occur when a virus bypasses infection control measures and a relatively high number of infections are observed where no cases or sporadic cases occurred in the past. ... An antibiotic is a drug that kills or slows the growth of bacteria. ... This false-colored electron micrograph shows a malaria sporozoite migrating through the midgut epithelia. ... Salmonellosis is an infection with Salmonella bacteria. ... 1920 (MCMXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday. ... Elias Metchnikoff (Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov) was born in 1845, in a what is now Ukraine. ... Binomial name Lactobacillus bulgaricus Orla-Jensen, 1919 Lactobacillus bulgaricus (Official name Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecius bulgaricus, LBB) is one of several bacteria used for the production of Kisselo mlyako(Bulgarian)- Sour milkyoghurt (yogurt). ... In anatomy, the intestine is the segment of the alimentary canal extending from the stomach to the anus and, in humans and other mammals, consists of two segments, the small intestine and the large intestine. ... Elias Metchnikoff (Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov) was born in 1845, in a what is now Ukraine. ... Longevity is a term that generally refers to long life or great duration of life.[1] Reflections on longevity have usually gone beyond acknowledging the basic shortness of human life and have included thinking about methods to extend life. ... Elias Metchnikoff (Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov) was born in 1845, in a what is now Ukraine. ... 1916 (MCMXVI) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Phyla Actinobacteria Aquificae Chlamydiae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Lentisphaerae Nitrospirae Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Verrucomicrobia Bacteria (singular: bacterium) are unicellular microorganisms. ... For the Physics term GUT, please refer to Grand unification theory The gastrointestinal or digestive tract, also referred to as the GI tract or the alimentary canal or the gut, is the system of organs within multicellular animals which takes in food, digests it to extract energy and nutrients, and... For the Physics term GUT, please refer to Grand unification theory The gastrointestinal or digestive tract, also referred to as the GI tract or the alimentary canal or the gut, is the system of organs within multicellular animals which takes in food, digests it to extract energy and nutrients, and... 1935 (MCMXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar). ... Binomial name Lactobacillus acidophilus (Moro 1900) Hansen & Mocquot 1970 Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of several bacteria in the genus Lactobacillus. ... Constipation or irregularity, is a condition of the digestive system where a person (or animal) experiences hard feces that are difficult to egest; it may be extremely painful, and in severe cases (fecal impaction) lead to symptoms of bowel obstruction. ... Year 1965 (MCMLXV) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar) of the 1965 Gregorian calendar. ... Leishmania donovani, (a species of protozoan) in a bone marrow cell Protozoa (in Greek proto = first and zoa = animals) are one-celled eukaryotes (that is, unicellular microbes whose cells have membrane-bound nuclei) that commonly show characteristics usually associated with animals, mobility and heterotrophy. ... An antibiotic is a drug that kills or slows the growth of bacteria. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... Dairy farming is a class of agricultural, or more properly, an animal husbandry enterprise, raising female cattle for long-term production of milk, which may be either processed on-site or transported to a dairy for processing and eventual retail sale. ... Yoghurt or yogurt, less commonly yoghourt or yogourt (see spelling below), is a dairy product produced by bacterial fermentation of milk. ... Fil is the common Swedish word for several kinds of fermented soured milk very common for breakfast or lunch in the Nordic Countries. ... Binomial name Lactobacillus acidophilus (Moro 1900) Hansen & Mocquot 1970 Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of several bacteria in the genus Lactobacillus. ... Species L. acidophilus L. brevis L. delbrueckii subsp. ... For other uses, see Species (disambiguation). ... Previously, this was considered a subspecies of Lactobacillus casei. ... Binomial name Lactobacillus casei (Orla-Jensen 1916) Hansen & Lessel 1971 Lactobacillus casei is a transient, anaerobic microorganism of genus Lactobacillus found in the human intestine and mouth. ...

Effects

There is no published evidence that probiotic supplements are able to replace the body’s natural flora when these have been killed off; indeed bacterial levels in feces disappear within days when supplementation ceases^[14]. It is hoped, however, that probiotics do form beneficial temporary colonies which may assist the body in the same functions as the natural flora, while allowing the natural flora time to recover from depletion. The probiotic strains are then thought to be progressively replaced by a naturally developed gut flora. Hence, probiotics have been defined as correctives of the ecoorgan. If the conditions which originally caused damage to the natural gut flora persist, the benefits obtained from probiotic supplements will be short lived. This is a biological article: For a territory administered by another territory see: Colony For a group attempting to affiliate with a Fraternity or Sorority see: Colony (fraternity) In biology, a colony (from Latin colonia) refers to several individual organisms of the same species living closely together, usually for mutual...

Potential benefits

Experiments into the benefits of probiotic therapies suggest a range of potentially beneficial medicinal uses for probiotics. For many of the potential benefits, research is limited and only preliminary results are available. It should be noted that the effects described are not general effects of probiotics. All effects can only be attributed to the strain(s) tested, not to the species, nor to the whole group of LAB (or other probiotics).

Managing Lactose Intolerance

As lactic acid bacteria actively convert lactose into lactic acid, ingestion of certain active strains may help lactose intolerant individuals tolerate more lactose than what they would have otherwise.^[4] In practice probiotics are not specifically targeted for this purpose, as most are relatively low in lactase activity as compared to the normal yogurt bacteria. Lactose is a disaccharide that consists of β-D-galactose and β-D-glucose molecules bonded through a β1-4 glycosidic linkage. ... For the production of milk by mammals, see Lactation. ... Yoghurt Yoghurt or yogurt, less commonly yoghourt or yogourt, is a dairy product produced by bacterial fermentation of milk. ...

Prevention of Colon Cancer

In laboratory investigations, some strains of LAB have demonstrated anti-mutagenic effects thought to be due to their ability to bind with heterocyclic amines; carcinogenic substances formed in cooked meat.^[15] Animal studies have demonstrated that some LAB can protect against colon cancer in rodents, though human data is limited and conflicting.^[16] Most human trials have found that the strains tested may exert anti-carcinogenic effects by decreasing the activity of an enzyme called β-glucuronidase^[16] (which can generate carcinogens in the digestive system). Lower rates of colon cancer among higher consumers of fermented dairy products have been observed in some population studies.^[4] Pyridine a simple heterocyclic compound Heterocyclic compounds are organic compounds that contain a ring structure containing atoms in addition to carbon, such as sulfur, oxygen or nitrogen, as part of the ring. ... In pathology, a carcinogen is any substance or agent that promotes cancer. ... In pathology, a carcinogen is any substance or agent that promotes cancer. ...

Cholesterol Lowering

Animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy of a range of LAB to be able to lower serum cholesterol levels, presumably by breaking down bile in the gut, thus inhibiting its reabsorption (which enters the blood as cholesterol). Some, but not all human trials have shown that dairy foods fermented with specific LAB can produce modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels in those with normal levels to begin with, however trials in hyperlipidemic subjects are needed.^[4] Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol). ... Bile (or gall) is a bitter, yellow or green alkaline fluid secreted by hepatocytes from the liver of most vertebrates. ... For the Physics term GUT, please refer to Grand unification theory The gastrointestinal or digestive tract, also referred to as the GI tract or the alimentary canal or the gut, is the system of organs within multicellular animals which takes in food, digests it to extract energy and nutrients, and... Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) refers to a class and range of lipoprotein particles, varying somewhat in their size and contents, which carry cholesterol in the blood and around the body, for use by various cells. ...

Lowering Blood Pressure

Several small clinical trials have shown that consumption of milk fermented with various strains of LAB can result in modest reductions in blood pressure. It is thought that this is due to the ACE inhibitor-like peptides produced during fermentation.^[4] A sphygmomanometer, a device used for measuring arterial pressure. ... Captopril, the first ACE inhibitor ACE inhibitors, or inhibitors of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, are a group of pharmaceuticals that are used primarily in treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure, in most cases as the drugs of first choice. ... Peptides are the family of molecules formed from the linking, in a defined order, of various amino acids. ...

Improving Immune Function and Preventing Infections

LAB are thought to have several presumably beneficial effects on immune function. They may protect against pathogens by means of competitive inhibition (i.e., by competing for growth) and there is evidence to suggest that they may improve immune function by increasing the number of IgA-producing plasma cells, increasing or improving phagocytosis as well as increasing the proportion of T lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells.^[17][18] Clinical trials have demonstrated that probiotics may decrease the incidence of respiratory tract infections^[19] and dental caries in children^[20] LAB foods and supplements have been shown to be effective in the treatment and prevention of acute diarrhea; decreasing the severity and duration of rotavirus infections in children as well as travelers diarrhea in adults.^[17][18] A pathogen (literally birth of pain from the Greek παθογένεια) is a biological agent that can cause disease to its host. ... Competitive inhibition is a form of enzyme inhibition where binding of the inhibitor to the enzyme prevents binding of the substrate and vice versa. ... IGA may stand for: Koji Igarashi, a video game producer Interactive genetic algorithm International Geothermal Association Independent Glass Association International Gothic Association International Gamers Award International Goat Association Irish Games Association Irish Geological Association ImmunoGlobulin A - see IgA nephritis which is a renal disease IGA (supermarkets) Independent Grocers Association or... Steps of a macrophage ingesting a pathogen: a. ... T cells are a subset of lymphocytes that play a large role in the immune response. ... In medicine, a clinical trial (synonyms: clinical studies, research protocols, medical research) is a research study. ... Types 5-7 on the Bristol Stool Chart are often associated with diarrhea Diarrhea (in American English) or diarrhoea (in British English) is a condition in which the sufferer has frequent watery, loose bowel movements (from the Greek word διάρροια; literally meaning through-flowing). Acute infectious diarrhea is a common cause... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Helicobacter pylori

LAB are also thought to aid in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections (which cause peptic ulcers) in adults when used in combination with standard medical treatments.^[21] Binomial name ((Marshall 1985) Goodwin 1989) ICD-9 code: 041. ... Peptic ulcer is a non-malignant ulcer of the stomach (called gastric ulcer) or duodenum (called duodenal ulcer). ...

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea

A meta-analysis suggested probiotics may reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea. ^[22] A subsequent randomized controlled trial also found benefit in elderly patients. ^[23]

Reducing Inflammation

LAB foods and supplements have been found to modulate inflammatory and hypersensitivity responses, an observation thought to be at least in part due to the regulation of cytokine function.^[17] Clinical studies suggest that they can prevent reoccurrences of inflammatory bowel disease in adults,^[17] as well as improve milk allergies^[24] and decrease the risk of atopic eczema in children.^[25] Inflammation is the first response of the immune system to infection or irritation and may be referred to as the innate cascade. ... Hypersensitivity refers to undesirable (damaging, discomfort-producing and sometimes fatal) reactions produced by the normal immune system. ... Cytokines are a group of proteins and peptides that are used in organisms as signaling compounds. ... In medicine, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory conditions of the large intestine and, in some cases, the small intestine. ... This article needs cleanup. ... Atopic dermatitis, sometimes called eczema is a kind of dermatitis, atopic, psychosomatic skin disease. ...

Improving Mineral Absorption

It is hypothesized that probiotic lactobacilli may help correct malabsorption of trace minerals, found particularly in those with diets high in phytate content from whole grains, nuts, and legumes.^[26] Phytic acid (known as inositol hexaphosphate, or phytate when its salt form) is the principal storage form of phosphorus in many plant tissues, especially seeds. ... Whole grains are cereal grains which retain the bran and germ as well as the endosperm, in contrast to refined grains which retain only the endosperm. ... For other uses, see Nut (disambiguation). ... Varieties of soybean seeds, a popular legume The term legume has two closely related meanings in botany, a situation encountered with many botanical common names of useful plants whereby an applied name can refer to either the plant itself, or to the edible fruit (or useful part). ...

Prevents Harmful Bacterial Growth Under Stress

In a study done to see the effects of stress on intestinal flora, rats that were fed probiotics had little occurrence of harmful bacteria latched onto their intestines compared to rats that were fed sterile water.^[27]

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colitis

B. infantis 35624, sold as Align, was found to improve some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in women in a recent study.^[28] Another probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus plantarum 299V, was also found to be effective in reducing IBS symptoms. ^[29] Additionally, a probiotic formulation, VSL3, was found to be effective in treating ulcerative colitis ^[30] Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010 may help. ^[31]

Synbiotics

It is also possible to increase and maintain a healthy bacterial gut flora by increasing the amounts of prebiotics in the diet such as inulin, raw oats, and unrefined wheat. ^{[citation needed]} Prebiotics are a category of functional food, defined as: Non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, and thus improve host health. ... Note: This article title may be easily confused with insulin. ... Binomial name Avena sativa Carolus Linnaeus (1753) The Oat (Avena sativa) is a species of cereal grain, and the seeds of this plant. ... Species T. aestivum T. boeoticum T. dicoccoides T. dicoccon T. durum T. monococcum T. spelta T. sphaerococcum T. timopheevii References:   ITIS 42236 2002-09-22 Wheat Wheat For the indie rock group, see Wheat (band). ...

As probiotics are mainly active in the small intestine and prebiotics are only effective in the large intestine ^[32], the combination of the two may give a synergistic effect. Appropriate combinations of pre- and probiotics are synbiotics.

Synbiotics have also been defined as metabolites produced by ecoorgan or by synergistic action of prebiotics and probiotics e.g. short chain fatty acids, other fatty acids, amino acids, peptides, polyamines, carbohydrates, vitamins, numerous antioxidants and phytosterols, growth factors, coagulation factors, various signal molecules such as cytokine-like bacteriokines.^{[citation needed]}

Types

The most common form for probiotics are dairy products and probiotic fortified foods. However, tablets and capsules containing the bacteria in freeze dried form are also available. Freeze drying (also known as Lyophilization) is a dehydration process typically used to preserve a perishable material, or to make the material more convenient for transport. ...

Some commonly used bacteria in products, but without probiotic effect (yogurt bacteria): Binomial name (Mitsuoka 1969) Scardovi and Trovatelli 1974 Subspecies Bifidobacterium animalis is a Gram-positive anaerobic rod-shaped bacterium, which can be found in the intestines of most mammals, including man. ... Activia is a low-fat probiotic yogurt-like produced by Danone (Dannon in the U.S.) and sold in pots of 113 g and 650 g. ... Groupe Danone SA is an international food products company with its central headquarters in France, specializing in dairy products, especially famous for its yoghurt. ... Binomial name (Mitsuoka 1969) Scardovi and Trovatelli 1974 Subspecies Bifidobacterium animalis is a Gram-positive anaerobic rod-shaped bacterium, which can be found in the intestines of most mammals, including man. ... Chr. ... Japanese Yakult. ... Binomial name (Mitsuoka 1969) Scardovi and Trovatelli 1974 Subspecies Bifidobacterium animalis is a Gram-positive anaerobic rod-shaped bacterium, which can be found in the intestines of most mammals, including human. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... E. coli redirects here. ... Binomial name Lactobacillus acidophilus (Moro 1900) Hansen & Mocquot 1970 Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of several bacteria in the genus Lactobacillus. ... Chr. ... Binomial name Lactobacillus casei (Orla-Jensen 1916) Hansen & Lessel 1971 Lactobacillus casei is a transient, anaerobic microorganism of genus Lactobacillus found in the human intestine and mouth. ... Chr. ... Arla Foods is a cooperative based in Ã…rhus Denmark and the largest producer of dairy products in Scandinavia. ... Japanese Yakult. ... Groupe Danone SA is an international food products company with its central headquarters in France, specializing in dairy products, especially famous for its yoghurt. ... This article is about the company. ... Binomial name ((Marshall 1985) Goodwin 1989) ICD-9 code: 041. ... Binomial name Lactobacillus plantarum (Orla-Jensen 1919) Bergey 1923 Lactobacillus plantarum is a widespread member of the genus Lactobacillus, commonly found in sauerkraut, pickles, brined olives, korean kimchi, nigerian ogi, sourdugh and other fermented plant material and also in some cheeses and fermented sausages. ... Binomial name Lactobacillus reuteri N/A L. reuteri is a gram-positive bacterial species that typically inhabits mice and pigs. ... Previously, this was considered a subspecies of Lactobacillus casei. ... Valio is one of the biggest companies in Finland and mostly produces dairy products such as ice cream, butter, yoghurt and milk. ... Species Lactococcus lactis are bacteria that live on plants, animal skin and hair. ... Binomial name Meyen ex E.C. Hansen Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a species of budding yeast. ... Binomial name Hall & OToole, 1935 Clostridium difficile or CDF/cdf (commonly mistaken  , alternatively and correctly pronounced ) (also referred to as C. diff or C-diff) is a species of bacteria of the genus Clostridium which are gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming rods (bacillus). ... This article belongs in one or more categories. ... Binomial name ((Marshall 1985) Goodwin 1989) ICD-9 code: 041. ...

• Lactobacillus bulgaricus
• Streptococcus thermophilus

Some other bacteria mentioned in probiotic products: Binomial name Lactobacillus bulgaricus Orla-Jensen, 1919 Lactobacillus bulgaricus (Official name Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecius bulgaricus, LBB) is one of several bacteria used for the production of Kisselo mlyako(Bulgarian)- Sour milkyoghurt (yogurt). ... This article belongs in one or more categories. ...

• Bacillus coagulans
• Lactobacillus bifidus - became new genus Bifidobacterium
• Lactobacillus caucasicus, a fantasy name, as no species with this name exists.

Some fermented products containing similar lactic acid bacteria include: This page is a candidate for speedy deletion, because: no content If you disagree with its speedy deletion, please explain why on its talk page or at Wikipedia:Speedy deletions. ... Bifidobacteria (genus Bifidobacterium) are a group of anaerobic bacteria and a form of probiotic that is thought to have health-promoting properties for humans. ...

• Pickled vegetables ^{[36], [37], [38]}
• Fermented bean paste
• Kefir ^{[citation needed]}
• Kimchi ^{[37], [39]}
• Kombucha ^{[citation needed]}
• Pao cai ^{[citation needed]}
• Sauerkraut ^[40]
• Soy sauce ^[41]
• Tempeh ^[42]
• Zha cai ^{[citation needed]}

Fermented bean paste is a category of fermented foods typically made from ground soybeans, which are indigenous to the cuisines of East and Southeast Asia. ... Grains of kefir For the Islamic term, see Kaffir. ... Kimchi, also spelled gimchi or kimchee, is a traditional Korean fermented dish made of seasoned vegetables, such as the pickled Chinese cabbage. ... This section contains a list of trivia items. ... Pao cai (泡菜; Pinyin: pào cài; Cantonese: po2 choi3; meaning pickled vegetable) is a type of pickle, usually pickled cabbage, often found in Chinese, and particularly Sichuanese cuisine. ... Sauerkraut and sausage on a plate Pickled Eisbein, served with Sauerkraut Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ... Japanese name Kanji: Hiragana: Korean name Hangul: Vietnamese name Quoc Ngu: Soy sauce (US) or soya sauce is a fermented sauce made from soybeans (soya beans), roasted grain, water and salt. ... Fresh tempeh at the market, Jakarta, Indonesia. ... Zha cai (literally pressed vegetable) is a type of pickled mustard stem originating from Sichuan, China. ...

Research

A 2007 study at University College Cork in Ireland showed that a diet including milk fermented with Lactobacillus bacteria prevented Salmonella infection in pigs.^[43] University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork - or more commonly University College Cork (UCC) - is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland located in Cork City. ... Species L. acidophilus L. brevis L. delbrueckii subsp. ... Species S. enterica This article is about the bacteria. ...

A 2007 clinical study at Imperial College London showed that consumption of a probiotic drink containing L casei, L bulgaricus, and S thermophilus can reduce the incidence of antibiotic associated diarrhoea and C difficile associated diarrhoea.^[23] Affiliations Russell Group Association of MBAs IDEA League Association of Commonwealth Universities Golden Triangle Oak Ridge Associated Universities Nobel laureates 14 Website http://www. ...

Criticism

Some mainstream researchers in Europe as well as in the United States are skeptical of some of the claims made for probiotics. Their reasons include the following considerations^[44]:

• The studies done in support of probiotics are mostly anecdotal or heavily reliant on test-tube experimentation rather than on clinical trials in human subjects
• The basic concept of probiotics is based on a misunderstanding of the role of microflora in the human digestive tract.
• It is difficult to see how bacteria taken by mouth can survive the process of human digestion (though research shows that they do, in fact, survive ^[45])

For the Physics term GUT, please refer to Grand unification theory The gastrointestinal or digestive tract, also referred to as the GI tract or the alimentary canal or the gut, is the system of organs within multicellular animals which takes in food, digests it to extract energy and nutrients, and...

References

A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... is the 310th day of the year (311th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... The Entrez logo The Entrez Global Query Cross-Database Search System allows access to databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. ... The Entrez logo The Entrez Global Query Cross-Database Search System allows access to databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. ... The Entrez logo The Entrez Global Query Cross-Database Search System allows access to databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. ... The Entrez logo The Entrez Global Query Cross-Database Search System allows access to databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. ... The Entrez logo The Entrez Global Query Cross-Database Search System allows access to databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. ... The Entrez logo The Entrez Global Query Cross-Database Search System allows access to databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. ... The Entrez logo The Entrez Global Query Cross-Database Search System allows access to databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. ... The Entrez logo The Entrez Global Query Cross-Database Search System allows access to databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. ... The Entrez logo The Entrez Global Query Cross-Database Search System allows access to databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. ... A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... The Entrez logo The Entrez Global Query Cross-Database Search System allows access to databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. ... The Entrez logo The Entrez Global Query Cross-Database Search System allows access to databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. ... The Entrez logo The Entrez Global Query Cross-Database Search System allows access to databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. ... is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... WebMD is available to both consumers and physicians, and contains several different health sites owned and run by WebMD, including WebMD Health, Medscape, MedicineNet, eMedicine, eMedicine Health, RxList and theheart. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 297th day of the year (298th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Species L. acidophilus L. brevis L. delbrueckii subsp. ... is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 237th day of the year (238th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. ... A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 310th day of the year (311th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... A digital object identifier (or DOI) is a standard for persistently identifying a piece of intellectual property on a digital network and associating it with related data, the metadata, in a structured extensible way. ... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

See also

• Autism therapies
• Prebiotic (nutrition)

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Biomedical intervention for autism. ... Prebiotics are a category of functional food, defined as: Non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, and thus improve host health. ...

External links

• How to choose a proper probiotic
• Health Implications of Yoghurt and Lactic Acid Bacteria
• Probiotics: Considerations for Human Health
• Getting To Know "Friendly Bacteria"
• Consumers Guide
• GutFlora.org: New developments and general information on probiotics
• Making Sense of Probiotics
• Wired: "Hacking Your Body's Bacteria for Better Health"
• Probiotics: Friendly Bacteria With a Host of Benefits