Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) which beneficially influence the body by improving the intestinal microbial balance (i.e. microflora).
The most used probiotics in food and supplements are of the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species.
Defend against “bad” bacteria in the gut
Support gut barrier
Educate and strengthen immune system
Produces healthy substances (e.g. some vitamins, SCFA)
Probiotics exert benefits by interacting with the human host on different levels
First, in the gut lumen, probiotics compete with “bad” bacteria for the attachment to gut wall. They can not only to displace, but also suppress the growth of “bad” bacteria by releasing a variety of substances and by changing the acid-base balance (i.e. pH) in the gut.
Second, probiotics interact with gut cells to support proper gut barrier function. When gut barrier works well, it lets only essential nutrients in, while restricting the entry of bacterial toxins and pathogens.
Third point of connection between probiotics and the human host is the immune system. 70% of all immune cells in our body are embedded in the gut wall. Probiotics send signals that educate the immune system and optimize its responses. This helps to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and level of inflammation in the body. 2
Fourth level of interaction might seem very surprising. Probiotics release signals and messengers which can reach even human’s brain! This may help to optimize neurodevelopment and enhance cognitive function.
Probiotics are measured unit called ‘colony forming units (CFUs)’ which indicate the number of viable cells. Amounts may be written on product labels as, for example, 1 x 109 for 1 billion CFU or 1 x 1010 for 10 billion CFU.
Common daily dosages range from 5 to 10 billion CFU per day for children, and from 10 to 20 billion CFU per day for adults2.
Yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, pickles etc.
in the form of capsules, powders, or added to other products like grown up milk and oral nutritional supplements
Recent scientific papers have shown that certain probiotics demonstrate efficacy in reducing the risk of pediatric atopic dermatitis.3
References:
1 Sánchez B et al. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017 Jan;61(1).
2 Kligler B, Cohrssen A. Probiotics. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Nov 1;78(9):1073-8.
3 Tan-Lim CSC et al. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2021 Aug;32(6):1255-1270.
SG.2022.32504.AND -PND.1 (v1.0)
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