Probiotics

Probiotics: A Comprehensive Review of Their Classification, Mode of Action and Role in Human Nutrition

“…Many pathogenic organisms must associate with the GI tract epithelium to colonize effectively [9]. However, some strains of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli can adhere to the epithelium and act as "colonization barriers" by preventing pathogens from adhering to the mucosa [1,10]. This effect was demonstrated with the Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG and Lactobacillus plantarum 299v.…”

“…This effect was demonstrated with the Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG and Lactobacillus plantarum 299v. Both of these organisms showed the ability to inhibit attachment of Escherichia coli to human colon cells [1,11].…”

“…It was first coined in 1965 by Lilley and Stillwell to describe substances secreted by one microorganism that stimulate the growth of another [1,2]. In 1974, Parker modified this definition to "…organisms and substances which contribute to intestinal microbial balance" [1,3].…”

“…It was first coined in 1965 by Lilley and Stillwell to describe substances secreted by one microorganism that stimulate the growth of another [1,2]. In 1974, Parker modified this definition to "…organisms and substances which contribute to intestinal microbial balance" [1,3]. The current definition of probiotics by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host" [4][5][6].…”

“…Probiotic organisms require certain characteristics to enable them to exert maximum therapeutic effects. Of these characteristics, there are some that are considered almost essential for a probiotic to have therapeutic effects, including gastric acid and bile salt stability, ability to adhere to the intestinal mucosa, and ability to colonize the intestinal tract [1,7].…”