Probiotics: Versatile Bioactive Components in Promoting Human Health

Abstract

The positive impact of probiotic strains on human health has become more evident than ever before. Often delivered through food, dietary products, supplements, and drugs, different legislations for safety and efficacy issues have been prepared. Furthermore, regulatory agencies have addressed various approaches toward these products, whether they authorize claims mentioning a disease’s diagnosis, prevention, or treatment. Due to the diversity of bacteria and yeast strains, strict approaches have been designed to assess for side effects and post-market surveillance. One of the most essential delivery systems of probiotics is within food, due to the great beneficial health effects of this system compared to pharmaceutical products and also due to the increasing importance of food and nutrition. Modern lifestyle or various diseases lead to an imbalance of the intestinal flora. Nonetheless, as the amount of probiotic use needs accurate calculations, different factors should also be taken into consideration. One of the novelties of this review is the presentation of the beneficial effects of the administration of probiotics as a potential adjuvant therapy in COVID-19. Thus, this paper provides an integrative overview of different aspects of probiotics, from human health care applications to safety, quality, and control.

The Effectiveness of Probiotics against Viral Infections: A Rapid Review with Focus on SARS-CoV-2 Infection

“…adolescentis [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [ Figure 1: Probiotics' beneficial properties to human health [5] interfere with essential metabolic functions [51], [52]. The acidic pH has been reported inactivates human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) [53], [54].…”

An Italian Guidance Model for the Management of Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Patients in the Primary Care Setting

“…In case of asymptomatic suspected or confirmed cases, no therapy is performed but only clinical monitoring. The potential role of probiotics in the treatment of SARS-CoV2 infection has been suggested by some studies as seem to be involved in reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and in the restoration of microbial flora preventing secondary infections; however, products available for bacteriotherapy are not the same and have different potential effects (57,58). In case of paucisymptomatic patients but with a negative swab or in the absence of swab, it is possible to start only a symptomatic therapy with paracetamol, which currently remains the first choice as antipyretic, cough sedatives and hydration and, if necessary, home oxygen therapy.…”

Obesity and gut microbiome: review of potential role of probiotics

“… 5 Indeed, it is a matter of fact that, to GM, a plethora of biological effects have been listed, such as impacting human physiology and pathology; influencing gut epithelial homeostasis; developing host's immunity; modulating host's nutritional status and energy uptake through, for example, producing vitamins and fermenting non-digestible dietary sources; protecting against pathogens; and even promoting drug metabolism. 6 – 8 In addition, and namely to what concerns to the use of probiotics, they have emerged as a promising and safe therapy in for different purposes in clinical practice. 7 , 8 However, such effectiveness depends on the species and doses used, as well as on underlying disease, with duration of administration also impacting the final outcomes, these ones also varying according to the clinical indication.…”

“… 6 – 8 In addition, and namely to what concerns to the use of probiotics, they have emerged as a promising and safe therapy in for different purposes in clinical practice. 7 , 8 However, such effectiveness depends on the species and doses used, as well as on underlying disease, with duration of administration also impacting the final outcomes, these ones also varying according to the clinical indication. 7 , 8 …”

“… 7 , 8 However, such effectiveness depends on the species and doses used, as well as on underlying disease, with duration of administration also impacting the final outcomes, these ones also varying according to the clinical indication. 7 , 8 …”