ProbioticsProbiotics and and Functional FoodsFunctional FoodsProbioticsProbiotics and and

Functional FoodsFunctional Foods

The Biotech of DigestionThe Biotech of Digestion

What are Probiotics?

• dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium or yeasts

• probiotics means “for life”

What are Probiotics?

• ‘Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host

Why do we need probiotics?

• Flora Out of Balance – antiboitics– drugs– excessive alcohol– disease– toxic substances

Where do probiotics fit into digestion?

• body contains a miniature ecology of microbes, collectively known gut flora

• balanced they work together for health digestion but sometimes out of balance

• Use probiotic bacteria work to decrease competitor bacteria harmful to our health

How do probiotics work?

• Probiotic bacterial cultures assist gut flora• Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) most used by

– converting sugars including lactose and other carbohydrates into lactic acid

– acts as a preservative by lowering pH and creating fewer opportunities for spoilage organisms

• characteristic sour taste of fermented dairy foods such as yogurt

Claims Made for Probiotics

• Improving Immune Function • Preventing Infections • Managing Lactose Intolerance• Prevention of Colon Cancer• Cholesterol Lowering• Lowering Blood Pressure

Current Research Opinions

• test-tube experimentation rather than on clinical trials in human subjects

• The basic concept of probiotics is based on a misunderstanding of the role of microflora in the human digestive tract.

• difficult to understand how bacteria taken by mouth survive human digestion, though research shows that they do survive