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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