Understanding Probiotics and Their Health Benefits

Probiotics are microorganisms that present a number of health benefits to the host. They can be found in different foods, especially yogurt, and are believed to help with digestion and protect against harmful bacteria. In food supplements, the most common type of probiotics used are lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.

According to the journal “Animal Nutrition and Health”, probiotics are beneficial to the health of the host animal by contributing to intestinal microbial balance. Health benefits associated with taking probiotics include improved immune function, lower cholesterol levels, higher tolerance to lactose, reduced blood pressure, and better brain function. They can even be used as treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea.

It should be noted that most of these associated benefits still need to be confirmed by extensive scientific research. At present, no probiotic product is licensed in the U.S. as a biological drug product for use in the prevention, cure, treatment, mitigation, or diagnosis of an actual human disease. Nevertheless, there's plenty of encouraging evidence suggesting that probiotics can help in the aforementioned illnesses and conditions.

Orally administered probiotic products are often marketed as dietary supplements, medical foods, conventional foods, and drugs. For those thinking of taking probiotics supplements, be sure to check with your doctor to confirm that they're right for you.

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