What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria or yeast) that, when taken in adequate amounts, support health—primarily by improving gut function and immunity.
Health Benefits
- Immunological Effects: Enhance immune responses, stimulate antibody production, and reduce food antigen sensitivity.
- Non-immunological Effects: Aid digestion, block harmful bacteria, produce protective substances, strengthen the intestinal lining, and neutralize toxins.
How They Work
- Antimicrobial Action: Inhibit harmful bacteria through pH control and antimicrobial substances.
- Gut Barrier Protection: Strengthen mucosal integrity and stimulate mucus production.
- Immune Modulation: Influence immune cells and reduce inflammation.
Regulation & Usage
- Considered nutritional supplements in the US/EU.
- Must follow FAO/WHO guidelines on labeling, safety, and efficacy.
- Common strains include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Key Characteristics
- Safety: Widely recognized as safe.
- Viability: Must survive the digestive tract to be effective.
- Efficacy: Requires clinically proven strain-specific benefits.
- Stability: Must remain active through shelf life.
- Labeling: Must include strain details, dosage, storage, and benefits.
Safety Profile
Probiotics have a very low risk of side effects. For example, only 1 adverse case per 10 million users of Lactobacillusstrains has been reported.
