The Impact of Probiotics on Human Health. A Comprehensive Review

Noor Raad Sawsdi

doi:10.51699/cajmns.v7i4.3357

Authors

Noor Raad Sawsdi Kirkuk Education Directorate, Kirkuk Governorate, Ministry of Education, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51699/cajmns.v7i4.3357

Keywords:

Probiotics, Gut Microbiota, Intestinal Health, Immunity, Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Fermented Foods

Abstract

Probiotics are living micro-organisms that when taken in sufficient quantities will give benefits for health. Being widely used in fermented food products and diet supplements, they are more and more studied as a tool for gastrointestinal, immune and metabolic disorders prevention or management. They suggested that their mechanisms of action are inhibition of pathogens, improvement of intestinal barrier function, generation of antimicrobials, and modulation of immune responses. There have been reports of some evidence of benefit from selected strains in regards to reducing some antibiotic associated diarrheas, improving some of the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome and maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis. However, benefits are specific to the strain and not trans-extensible to other products, or diseases. Other formulations in large clinical trials have also failed to yield any benefit. Probiotics are considered to be well-tolerated in individuals who have no underlying health conditions, but also invasive infections can develop in vulnerable patients when given probiotics. This review outlines the mechanisms, potential benefits to health, limitations and safety for the use of probiotics.

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