title: [The significance of probiotics in medicine--a new look].
abstract: The article presents the definition, activity mechanism and application of probiotics, as well as their side-effects. Probiotics are microorganisms living in humans which may favorably influence human health and prevent some diseases. The mechanism of their activity is not yet fully understood. There are numerous attempts to apply probiotics as supportive therapy, mainly in gastrointestinal tract diseases. Other possible applications of probiotics in medicine require further clinical studies, concerning the mechanism of activity, determination of indications for use and optimal therapeutic dose.
authors.affiliation: Klinika Chorób Wewnetrznych i Medycyny Fizykalnej Slaskiej Akademii Medycznej, Bytom.
authors.forename: Małgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cak
authors.forename: Agata
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stanek
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gadowska-Cicha
authors.forename: Aleksander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sieroń
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects; D019936:Probiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*