The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic

Abstract

| An expert panel was convened in October 2013 by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) to discuss the field of probiotics. It is now 13 years since the definition of probiotics and 12 years after guidelines were published for regulators, scientists and industry by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the WHO (FAO/WHO). The FAO/WHO definition of a probiotic-"live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host"-was reinforced as relevant and sufficiently accommodating for current and anticipated applications. However, inconsistencies between the FAO/WHO Expert Consultation Report and the FAO/WHO Guidelines were clarified to take into account advances in science and applications. A more precise use of the term 'probiotic' will be useful to guide clinicians and consumers in differentiating the diverse products on the market. This document represents the conclusions of the ISAPP consensus meeting on the appropriate use and scope of the term probiotic.

Simulating colonic survival of probiotics in single-strain products compared to multi-strain products

“…Probiotics are defined as ‘live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host’ [1,2]. The definition assumes the viability of the microbial content of each probiotic component in a product until consumption.…”

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in reducing the risk of infections in early childhood

“…This creates the basis for the concept of probiotics, defined as "live micro-organisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host" (8). Probiotics have several beneficial effects, including normalization of the gut microbiota composition and interaction with the innate and adaptive immune system of the child, which may promote resistance against pathogens (9)(10)(11).…”

The contribution of microbial biotechnology to sustainable development goals: microbiome therapies

“…LBPs are conceptually similar to probiotics (Hill et al ., 2014), but they differ in having no association with food, either as an isolation source or as a delivery vehicle; they do not have the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) or Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status that many probiotics have; their route to market involves a clinical trial/pharmaceutical regulation pathway like that applied to a new drug. For a review of LBP definitions and regulatory considerations, see a recent review (O'Toole et al ., 2017).…”