Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are
similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are also
called "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria." Probiotics
are available to consumers mainly in the form of dietary supplements and foods.
They can be used as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Experts have debated how to define probiotics. One widely used
definition, developed by the World Health Organization and the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is that probiotics are
"live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer
a health benefit on the host." (Microorganisms are tiny living
organisms—such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts—that can be seen only under a
microscope.)
Probitics are available in foods and dietary supplements (for example,
capsules, tablets, and powders) and in some other forms as well. Examples of
foods containing probiotics are yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso,
tempeh, and some juices and soya
beverages. In probiotic foods and supplements, the bacteria may have been
present originally or added during preparation.
According to the research report, some uses of probiotics for which
there is some encouraging evidence from the study of specific probiotic
formulations are as follows:
●
To
treat diarrhea (this is the strongest area of evidence, especially for diarrhea
from rotavirus)
●
To
prevent and treat infections of the urinary tract or female genital tract
●
To
treat irritable bowel syndrome
●
To
reduce recurrence of bladder cancer
●
To
shorten how long an intestinal infection lasts that is caused by a bacterium
called Clostridium difficile.
●
To
prevent and treat pouchitis (a condition that can follow surgery to remove the
colon)
●
To
prevent and manage atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children
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. Recent
research on the molecular biology and genomics of Lactobacillus has focused on
the interaction with the immune system, anti-cancer potential, and potential as
a biotherapeutic agent in cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, travellers'
diarrhoea, pediatric diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel
syndrome.
Alleviation of Lactose Intolerance Symptoms. Individuals with low levels
of the intestinal enzyme lactase (i.e., lactose maldigesters) have a limited
ability to digest lactose (milk sugar), which can result in gastrointestinal
symptoms or lactose intolerance.
Anti-diarrheal Effects. An extensive body of research supports a
beneficial role for probiotics in the prevention and treatment of a variety of
diarrheal illnesses, such as acute diarrhea caused by rotavirus infections,
antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and travelers’ diarrhea.
Protection Against Infections. Probiotics may help prevent or treat
infections such as postoperative infections , respiratory infections, and the
growth of Helicobacter pylori , a bacterial pathogen responsible for type B
gastritis, peptic ulcers, and perhaps stomach cancer.
Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer. Some evidence, primarily from in vitro and
experimental animal studies, indicates that probiotics may have the potential
to reduce colon cancer risk.
Immune Enhancement. Findings from experimental animal and mostly short
term human studies indicate that yogurt and probiotics such as lactobacilli and
bifidobacteria stimulate certain cellular and antibody functions of the immune
system, which in turn may increase resistance to immune-related diseases (e.g.,
infections, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, allergies).
Anti-inflammatory Effects. Because probiotics can influence the
intestinal flora, they may have beneficial effects for patients with
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s
disease, and pouchitis.
Reduced Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Probiotics may reduce
symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Prevention of Allergic Reactions. Probiotics may help prevent allergic
reactions in individuals at high risk of allergies, such as food allergies.
Other Potential Health Benefits. Some experimental animal and human
investigations suggest that probiotics may reduce the risk of heart disease by
their beneficial effects on blood lipid levels
and blood pressure . Different strains of lactobacilli and fermented
milk products containing probiotic bacteria may help prevent and treat urinary
tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast vaginitis in women .
Probiotics may also help relieve constipation , reduce colic in infants,
alleviate kidney stones ,decrease inflammation associated with arthritis ,and
protect against
dental caries.Dr Sangita Gaur
Former Nutritionist Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
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