Probiotics as flourishing benefactors for the human body.
This article provides a comprehensive review of the beneficial effects of various strains of probiotics in preventing and treating certain diseases. Currently, changed lifestyles as well as the increased use of antibiotics are significant factors challenging the preservation of a healthy intestinal microflora. The concept of probiotics is to restore and uphold a microflora advantageous for the human body. Probiotics are found in a number of fermented dairy products, infant formula, and dietary supplements. In the presence of prebiotics, which are nondigestible food ingredients favorable for probiotic growth, their survival in the intestine is ameliorated.
Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, 02129, USA.
Ilse J
IJ
Broekaert
W Allan
WA
Walker
D003967:Diarrhea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D018594:Human Body; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D007778:Lactobacillus; D008297:Male; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D019936:Probiotics / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity