Probiotics: an overview of beneficial effects

Food products fermented by lactic acid bacteria have long been used for their proposed health promoting properties. In recent years, selected probiotic strains have been thoroughly investigated for specific health effects. Properties like relief of lactose intolerance symptoms and shortening of rota...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2002-08, Vol.82 (1-4), p.279-289
Main Authors: Ouwehand, Arthur C, Salminen, Seppo, Isolauri, Erika
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atopy
Bacillus - classification
Bacillus - metabolism
Bacteria
Bifidobacterium - metabolism
Consumers
Diarrhea
Fermented food
Food
Gastrointestinal Diseases - therapy
Gastrointestinal tract
Health Promotion
Humans
Intolerance
Lactic acid bacteria
Lactobacillus - classification
Lactobacillus - metabolism
Lactose
Prevention
probiotics
Probiotics - metabolism
Probiotics - therapeutic use
Reviews
Rotavirus
Saccharomyces cerevisiae - metabolism
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Summary:Food products fermented by lactic acid bacteria have long been used for their proposed health promoting properties. In recent years, selected probiotic strains have been thoroughly investigated for specific health effects. Properties like relief of lactose intolerance symptoms and shortening of rotavirus diarrhoea are now widely accepted for selected probiotics. Some areas, such as the treatment and prevention of atopy hold great promise. However, many proposed health effects still need additional investigation. In particular the potential benefits for the healthy consumer, the main market for probiotic products, requires more attention. Also, the potential use of probiotics outside the gastrointestinal tract deserves to be explored further. Results from well conducted clinical studies will expand and increase the acceptance of probiotics for the treatment and prevention of selected diseases.
ISSN:0003-6072
1572-9699
DOI:10.1023/a:1020620607611