Abstract

A REVIEW ON THE POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS AND OTHER ASPECTS OF PROBIOTICS

Mayuri Y. Bagkar*, Pratiksha B. Ghadge, Amit A. Shahapurkar* and Madhavi A. Shahapurkar

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Abstract

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when ingested inadequate amounts. The strains most frequently used as probiotics include lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. Probiotics have demonstrated significant potential as therapeutic options for a variety of diseases, but the mechanisms responsible for these effects have not been fully elucidated yet. The use of the term 'probiotic' to describe food supplements specifically designed to improve health, however, dates from 1974 when Parker used it to describe growth promoting animal feed supplements. He defined the term 'organisms and substances which contribute to intestinal microbial balance'. I have recently revised this definition to read, 'A live microbial feed supplement which beneficially affects the host animal by improving its microbial balance'. This definition stresses the importance of availability and avoids the use of the too broad term 'substances' which could even include antibiotics. This report uses the revised definition and considers the evidence for the effect of live preparations on the human host. It also presents some evidence from work with animals which is helpful in understanding the potential benefits of this sort of treatment.

Keywords: Bifidobacteria, Lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacilli, Probiotic.