Probiotics is Greek Word for “life”
Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.
--expert consultation group of WHO/FAO in 2001
Our gastrointestinal tract is an ecosystem with a large bacteria polulation forming delicate balance between good and
Potential harmful bacteria
Functions of probiotics:
-Extract nutrients from the diet
-Synthesize vitamins
-Protect against invasion of foreign antigens through:
-Barrier effect: competition for nutrients and binding sites with invading bacteria
-Immune system modultion: activation of certain critical components of immune system
Delicate balance of bacteria can be offset through stress, age, diseases change of diet and anibiotics
In order to be effective, the probiotics must be:
-Live micro organisms
-Adequate amounts
-With health benefits.
