Old and new facts of probiotics: where we are and where we are going.
2008
Mayo, B. | Delgado, S. | Rodríguez, J. M. | Gueimonde, M.
Probiotics are live micro-organisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host. Though the majority of the micro-organisms used for this purpose belong to the <i>Lactobacillus</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium</i> genera, strains of many other bacterial and fungi species are currently being used as probiotics. Although not universally accepted, a consensus exists on the properties that probiotic micro-organisms present and the methodology used to assess their efficacy and safety. Scientific evidence recognizing that probiotics can play important roles in immunological, digestive and respiratory functions and could have significant effects in alleviating infectious disease symptoms is accumulating. However, fundamental knowledge relating to the exact mechanisms by which probiotics contribute to host health and well-being is still scarce. After a general introduction, this review will address old and new facts of probiotics, as well as relevant topics on which research interest should focus in the near future. This includes the search for more capable and robust strains of human origin with new (specific) properties, including those able to withstand the technological demands, the prevention and treatment of unique diseases and disorders, and, more importantly, the unequivocal substantiation of their claimed beneficial effects through controlled clinical trials.
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