Introduction

1. It helps to improve the normal microflora present

in the body. It is also available as a dietary
supplement, such as a capsule or powder.
2. Researchers have been researching probiotics
and the relationship between normal microflora
and disease. They have researching novel and
advanced probiotics with better benefits.
3. Although probiotics are recommended in a
healthy diet, they might lead to side effects, but
it’s rare. Additionally, probiotics are used as a form
of medicine.
 History
• The term probiotic was obtained from the Greek
word that means “for life.”
• First, Lilly and Stillwell used the term probiotics in
1965, where he described an organism that
secretes a substance that helps to stimulate the
growth of another.
• The definition of probiotics changes with time and
the development of knowledge.
• In 2001, Schrezenmeir and De Vrese described
probiotics as “a preparation of or a product
containing viable, defined microorganisms in
sufficient numbers, which alter the microflora by
implantation or colonization, in a compartment of
the host and by that, exert beneficial effects on
host health.”
• In 2002, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
and World Health Organization (WHO) experts
described probiotics as “live microorganisms,
which when administered in adequate amount
 confer a health benefit on the host.” It means if
taken in proper amounts, it will provide health
benefits to the host.
• In 2009, the World Gastroenterology Organisation
(WGO) defined probiotics as living organisms that
benefit consumer health when ingested in
adequate concentratin
 Properties of Probiotics

• In probiotics preparation, they should be generally

recognized as safe (GRAS).
• It should possess a desirable antibiotic
susceptibility testing- antibiogram profile.
• They should be non-pathogenic, non-allergic, non-
mutagenic, and not promote inflammation in
individuals.
• They should have resistance properties against
bile, hydrochloric acid, and pancreatic juice.
• They exhibit anti-carcinogenic activity.
• They should have the strength to boost the
immune system and decrease intestinal
permeability.
• They should be able to produce lactic acid.
• They should survive in both acidic conditions of
the stomach and alkaline conditions of the
duodenum.
• They should possess genetic stability and have no
mechanism for transferring plasmids.
• Strains must be capable of rapid multiplication
with good viability and stability in the product
during storage.
• Probiotic foods must contain enough live probiotic
cells to deliver health benefits to consumers,
which provide better quality.
• Probiotic strains must have good sensory
properties.
• They should originate from human origin.
• They should possess metabolic activity.
• For the bacteria to thrive in the colon, they must
be able to attach themselves to and colonize the
lining of the epithelial cells.
 Sources Probiotics
• The sources of probiotics are fermented food,
unfermented food, and dietary supplements.
Some of the sources are:

Sourdough bread
Yogurt
Tempeh, Natto, Kefir
Commercial pickles
Pickled onions, Pickled beets, Pickled cucumbers (if
fermented but not canned)
Cultured buttermilk
Fermented fish (utonga-kupsu)
Apple cider vinegar
Kimchi (a Korean fermented cabbage dish)
Cheese and deli meats
Kombucha (a fermented tea)
Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage)
Miso (a fermented soybean-based paste)
Unfermented foods (milk, juices, smoothies, cereals,
nutrition bars, and infant and toddler formulas)
Dietary supplements ((in capsules, powders, liquids)

• Fermented Food
Fermented food, obtained by the growth and
metabolic activity of the cultural strains, contains live
microorganisms.
Fermented foods (such as yogurt, pickles, and so on)
that contain organisms have health benefits. These
organisms can survive for the entire duration of their
shelf life in the product.
The most common probiotics are Lactic acid bacteria
(LAB) and Bifidobacterium.
 • Unfermented Foods

Unfermented foods such as juices, nutrition bars, and

so on also contain microorganisms, which can also be
considered probiotics.
Dietary supplements

Dietary supplements such as capsules, powders, and

so on contain a variety of mixed stains. It is taken as a
medicine also.
One of the probiotic medicines is bifilac.
This medicine helps boost the immunity of the
digestive tract, which enhances the ability to absorb
nutrients from digested food.
It also controls diarrhea and helps to balance the gut
microflora, such as bacteria and yeast.
 What do probiotics do?
Probiotics are food products that are present within
our gut. It improves the properties of microflora and
balances the gastrointestinal microbiome.
It strengthens the body’s natural defense
mechanisms, promoting the growth of beneficial
microorganisms and suppressing harmful bacteria.
Probiotic gets attached to the intestinal mucosa.
Metabolic by-products like acid, hydrogen peroxide,
and bacteriocins such as lactocidin and acidophilin
are the products that exhibit antibiotic properties and
hinder the growth of a broad range of pathogens.
Probiotics produce essential metabolites- beneficial
by-products- that help us in a proper digestion
process.
Lactic acid bacteria hinder the growth of pathogenic
microorganisms.
It produces short-chain fatty acids such as acetic,
propionic, butyric, lactic, and formic acids and
reduces intestinal pH. It exhibits antimicrobial activity
against yeasts, molds, and bacteria.
During fermentation in the colon by the microflora, the
short-chain fatty acid production helps prevent
colorectal cancer.
Probiotic helps to treat dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is the
imbalance of the microbiome present in the
gastrointestinal tract and gut that causes changes in
functional and metabolic properties- leading to
problems such as chronic diseases like IBD, IBS,
diabetes, cancer, gut, vagina itching, skin, oral areas-
bad breath, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Each microbe has a different role within the body. It
might bear side effects for some people, but it’s a
relatively rare occurrence.
Besides, it also helps to balance good and bad
microflora that keep your body healthy and properly
functioning
 Types of Probiotics and
Microorganisms
Many microorganisms are involved in probiotics that
show no harmful effect on human health, such as
Lactobacillus (The first and largest group of
microorganisms), Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces,
Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and
Bacillus.

Probiotics and Microorganisms

Probiotics and Microorganisms
The most common are:
Lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus,
Streptococcus thermophilus, and so on
Bifidobacterium sps.
Sachharomyces boulardii
a. Lactic acid bacteria

Lactic acid bacteria, carbohydrate fermenters, are

gram-positive, aerotolerant, non-spore-forming lactic
acid-producing bacteria. The production of lactic acid
is an essential product of fermentation.
LAB is a group of bacteria that is essential for
industrial purposes. Mainly, lactic acid bacteria as a
dairy starter culture are applied in the dairy industry
for dairy products such as milk powders, yogurt, soft-,
semi-hard, hard cheese, and ice cream.
Non-dairy products such as malt-based beverages
and fruit juices are also available for lactose-intolerant
people. The development of soy-based probiotic foods
has prompted the market.
Consumers can obtain probiotic LAB strains from both
traditional fermented foods and supplements.
These products provide an appropriate environment
for the growth and survival of probiotics.
B.Bifidobacterium

The most common bifidobacteria species are

Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, B.
animalis subsp lactis formerly, B. lactis,
Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, and
Bifidobacterium adolescentis.

b. Yeasts

Yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces

boulardii)

Other probiotics are Bacillus coagulan, Bacillus

subtilis, and Bacillus clausii
Advantages / Uses of Probiotics
Health benefits
It helps to improve digestive health by the production
of enzymes. Individuals who are lactose intolerant can
benefit from the enzymes, such as β-galactosidase
produced by the organism, which aids in breaking
down or digesting lactose.
It helps to prevent antibiotic-resistant problems.
It helps to enhance immunity.
It helps to reduce gingivitis and decreases gum
bleeding. Example: Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri.
It helps to improve skin, vaginal health.
It helps to improve mental health conditions (relieve
Stress and Anxiety).
It helps to Reduce the Risk of Developing Clostridium
difficile Infection.
It helps to improve Ulcerative Colitis.
It helps to prevent food allergies.
It helps to treat diseases in infants.
It helps to lower blood pressure and fight against
diabetes.
Lactobacillus can be used as a food preservative,
flavoring agent, and emulsifier.
Lactobacillus bacteria may lower “bad” cholesterol
levels or total cholesterol, including LDL.
Consuming probiotic-rich food such as yogurt helps to
improve bone, heart, and gastrointestinal health,
reduce the risk of diabetes and colon cancer, and aid
weight management.
Bifidobacterium infantis may benefit people suffering
from problems like psoriasis and chronic fatigue
syndrome.
Probiotics are essential for skin care health and help
to strengthen the skin barrier, prevent and soothe
acne, help to maintain skin pH levels, firm and clarify
skin, and refine skin texture.
 Risk of consuming Probiotics
Probiotics are generally considered safe for most
people and rarely have few side effects. The “National
Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Trusted Source” states that probiotics are generally
safe, but those with weakened immunity systems or
health issues may pose a risk.

They might suffer infection, antibiotic resistance, and

release of harmful substances.
Some people may experience intestinal gas and
bloating. If you’re experiencing these side effects, this
discomfort usually improves over time. You can try
reducing the dosage or taking it every other day to
alleviate these side effects.
If you have any problems like intestinal damage or
disease, HIV, cancer, a weakened immune system, or
a higher number of bacteria in your intestines, then it’s
necessary to consult your doctor before using
probiotics.
If you are taking any medication or have medical
issues, then it is essential to consult your doctor or
health care provider before using any probiotic
products.
 References
Probiotics: top benefits, foods and supplements – Dr.
Axe. (2023, September 20). Retrieved from
https://draxe.com/nutrition/probiotics-benefits-foods-
supplements/-----probiotic skin care: Best products &
benefits | YesStyle. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.yesstyle.com/en/probiotic-skincare