Probiotics as food supplements

Abstract

Many studies have shown that the use of probiotics acts positively on a disturbed intestinal ecosystem. Probiotics are defined as living, non-pathogenic microorganisms (usually bacteria), which confer a health benefit on the host when administrated in adequate amounts. Probiotics mechanisms described so far include adhesion to the surface of intestinal epithelium, competition with pathogens for receptors and nutrients, improvement of mucosal barrier function and maintenance of intestinal integrity, promotion of innate and acquired immune response, elaboration of bactericins and modulation of cellular kinetics. Dysbiosis of endogenous microbiota can lead to compromised immune responses and manifestations of various autoimmune diseases. Even some local and systemic metabolites of probiotic have been identified to have anti-inflammatory activity and may modify autoimmune diseases. The list of diseases that can benefit from the use of probiotics is long and includes acute diarrhea, urogenital infections, allergies, lactose intolerance, cystic fibrosis, carcinoma, inflammatory bowel disease, teeth and mouth disease, etc. The aim of this paper is to summarize the latest information from the currently available scientific literature on the role of probiotics in human health and disease.