What are probiotics?
Probiotics literally means “for life.”
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. They can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods, dietary supplements, and beauty products.
Are all microorganisms harmful?
Although people often think of bacteria and other microorganisms as harmful “germs,” many are actually helpful. Some bacteria help digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, or produce vitamins.
What type of microorganisms are present in probiotic foods?
Probiotic foods may contain a variety of microorganisms. The most common are bacteria that belong to groups called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Other bacteria may also be used as probiotics, and so may yeasts such as Saccharomyces boulardii. Many of the microorganisms in probiotic products are the same as or similar to microorganisms that naturally live in our bodies.
Which probiotic bacterium naturally occurs in the human gut and helps in breaking down lactose, into lactic acid?
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic bacterium that naturally occurs in the human gut and other parts of the body. This bacterium helps the digestive system break down sugars, such as lactose, into lactic acid.
Give an example of health benefits of probiotics.
There is evidence that probiotics can alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance. This can occur by increased hydrolysis (breaking down or digestion) of lactose (milk sugar) in the dairy product and in the small intestine. It can also be achieved by manipulation of the colonic metabolism.
What are the general health benefits of probiotics?
Probiotics may help :
1 . Improve immune function
2 . Protect against hostile bacteria to prevent infection
3 . Improve digestion and absorption of food and nutrients.
What are the major source of probiotics?
Fermented or cultured dairy products are a major source of probiotics. Other sources of probiotics include : miso , soy beverages , buttermilk , fermented milk , etc.
The bacteria either occur naturally in these foods or have been added during preparation.
Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements in capsule, tablet or powder-form.
For more information https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics
Biofilm – layer of microorganisms https://fotisedu.com/biofilm-layer-of-microorganisms/
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
QUES 1 . Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics: UPSC 2022
1 . Probiotics are made both of bacteria and yeast.
2 . The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.
3 . Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
(c) EXPLANATION: ■ Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts can form an important part of the human microbiome as probiotics) that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. ■ They can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods, dietary supplements, and beauty products. ■ Some bacteria help digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, or produce vitamins. ■ Many of the microorganisms in probiotic products are the same as or similar to microorganisms that naturally live in our bodies. ■ There is evidence that probiotics can alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance. ■ This can occur by increased hydrolysis (breaking down or digestion) of lactose (milk sugar) in the dairy product and in the small intestine.
