Probiotics: Introduction, List of Probiotics, Dose, Health Benefits, and Probiotics Products in Market

Introduction of Probiotics

Probiotics are helpful to live microbes mainly bacteria and fungi (yeasts) that are good for our health, especially our digestive system. Their supplements and some foods are available in our market. For example yogurt and cereals.

List of Probiotics

The list of Microorganisms which is considered probiotics is as follows-

S.No	Lactobacillus species
1.	Lactobacillus acidophilus
2.	L. casei
3.	L. gasseri
4.	L. crispatus
5.	L. johnsonii
6.	L. plantarum
7.	L. paracasei
8.	L. reuteri
	Bifidobacterium species
1.	Bifidobacterium adolescentis
2.	B. bifidum
3.	B. animalis
4.	B. breve
5.	B. longum
6.	B. infantis
	Other lactic acid bacteria
1.	Enterococcus faecium
2.	Leuconostoc mesenteroides
	Non-lactic acid Microbes
1.	Escherichia coli strain nissle
2.	Propionibacterium freudenreichii
3.	Saccharomyces cerevisiae
4.	Saccharomyces boulardii

Dose

A total of 108 to 109 probiotic microbial loads should be consumed daily for the probiotic effect to be transferred to the consumer.

Health Benefits of probiotics

They are beneficial for us in various ways-

• Improvement of intestinal health
• Enhancement of the immune response
• Reduction of serum cholesterol
• Maintenance of blood pressure
• Cancer prevention

• They also clear some common clinical conditions like-

1. Irritable bowel syndrome
2. Inflammatory bowel disease
3. Infectious diarrhea (caused by microbes like viruses, bacteria, or parasites)
4. Diarrhea caused by antibiotics

• Some studies have also claimed that they are beneficial in the following conditions too-

1. Skin conditions, like eczema
2. Urinary and vaginal health
3. Preventing allergies and colds
4. Oral Health

Availability of Probiotics in Market

They in the market are found in the following forms-

• yogurt,
• cheese,
• buttermilk,
• ice cream,
• milk powder,
• cereals,
• nutrition bars, and
• a variety of juices.

Keynotes

• The word ‘probiotic’ is derived from the Greek language meaning “for life.”
• The development of probiotics for human consumption is still in its initial phase.
• Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii are the most commonly used probiotics.
• Probiotics contribute to coronary heart disease(CHD)prevention by reducing serum cholesterol levels as well as to blood pressure (BP) control.
• Curd/Dahi is made by adding a starter culture (various types or strains of microbes) in milk which ferments the milk while yogurt is prepared commonly by adding a specific starter culture of Lactobacillus bulgaicus and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Related Images

Curd sample for microscopy

Wet mount preparation of curd or Dahi for microscopy

Curd under the microscope – ready for observation of microbes

Yeast cells and bacteria in a wet mount of curd microscopy