Probiotics for life – Part I general health perspectives

Abstract

Scientific evidence is expanding continuously during the past few decades, pointing to the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on human health. Food industry has been very active in studying and promoting various probiotic products. The WHO has advocated the reduced use of antibiotics and microbial interference therapy (use of nonpathogens to eliminate pathogens), observing the increasing development of antimicrobial resistance. Initially, probiotics were traditional used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and allergies; later, there has been an expansion in therapeutic uses of these agents in urogenital infections, carcinomas, etc. Due to the increasing mountain of literature on this topic, brief user-friendly information is provided in lucid language for busy clinicians. This Part I article gives an overview of the history and properties of probiotics, mechanisms of action, and uses to promote general health. The Part II article, coming in next issue of this journal, highlights on oral health. To understand oral effects of probiotics, their medical background knowledge is essential.