Overview of gut flora and probiotics.
Scientific developments in recent years have opened new frontiers and enable a better understanding of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) as a complex and delicately balanced ecosystem. This paper focuses on more recent information related to the microbial population of the GIT and its functional role in human physiology and health. Special attention is also given to modern approaches for improving or stabilising the intestinal system and its functioning by the deliberate application of viable microbial cultures, so-called 'probiotics', selected for special functional properties.
Institute of Hygiene and Toxicology, Federal Research Centre for Nutrition, Karlsruhe, Germany. ob07@rz.uni-karlsruhe.de
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Holzapfel
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Haberer
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Snel
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Schillinger
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Huis in't Veld
D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000502:physiology; D004064:Digestive System / Q000382:microbiology*; D058870:Food, Organic; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000502:physiology; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008954:Models, Biological; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D019936:Probiotics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use