Posted on February 22, 2012 by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), (0) Comments
Scientific Review Explores Current and Future Commercial Applications of Probiotics
Scientific Review Explores Current and Future Commercial Applications of Probiotics
Probiotics, defined as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host,” are available worldwide in a number of food products, including dairy. Probiotics have been associated with dairy for quite some time and fermented dairy products continue to be the predominant foods and beverages for delivering probiotics. This comprehensive review compiles the scientific evidence showing the diversity of probiotic applications to improve human health. The review includes both current and potential applications in the future. The most commonly used probiotic applications that have demonstrated clinical effectiveness involve the management of lactose intolerance and improving other gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea. Emerging evidence indicates that probiotics may help reduce the risk of or benefit people with allergies, immune disorders, obesity and diabetes.
Different probiotic strains have been shown to confer specific health benefits. Researchers have characterized the properties of different probiotic strains in order to understand strain-specific benefits or those achieved by a combination of strains for a targeted benefit. According to the authors, any disorder that is associated with an imbalance of microbiota (i.e., gut bacteria) or an inappropriate immune response is a potential target for probiotic intervention including diverticulitis, frailty in the elderly, patients with severe systemic inflammation or multiple sclerosis. So far probiotics have not been adequately tested in these settings, but indicate potential targets for the future.
The Dairy Research Institute, through its digestive health research program, has been working to better understand the role of dairy foods in delivering probiotic benefits.
Collado MC, Gueimonde M, Perez-Martinez G. Current and future applications of probiotics. Curr Nutr Food Sci. 2011;7(3):170-180.
Abstract
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