Probiotics as flourishing benefactors for the human body.

W Allan Walker, Ilse J Broekaert

Journal: Gastroenterology nursing : the official journal of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates 2006;29(1):26-34

PMID: 16552297

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Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of the beneficial effects of various strains of probiotics in preventing and treating certain diseases. Currently, changed lifestyles as well as the increased use of antibiotics are significant factors challenging the preservation of a healthy intestinal microflora. The concept of probiotics is to restore and uphold a microflora advantageous for the human body. Probiotics are found in a number of fermented dairy products, infant formula, and dietary supplements. In the presence of prebiotics, which are nondigestible food ingredients favorable for probiotic growth, their survival in the intestine is ameliorated.

Address: Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, 02129, USA.

DOI: 10.1097/00001610-200601000-00005

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MeSH Terms: Diarrhea, Enterocolitis, Necrotizing, Female, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Gastrointestinal Neoplasms, Human Body, Humans, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lactobacillus, Male, Primary Prevention, Probiotics, Risk Assessment, Sensitivity and Specificity