What is Probiotics? And why we should use Probiotics

Bacteria and other microorganisms are generally referred to as harmful to the human body, but, there are many of these bacteria and microorganisms which are beneficial to the human body within a certain given range and condition. Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer health benefits to the host and these are defined as to be probiotics. Those live microbial feed supplements that affect the host animal in a positive way by improving its intestinal microbial balance are also defined as Probiotics. They are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms which help in maintaining or improving the “good” bacteria status in the body. Presently, several well-characterized strains of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterial are available for human use to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) infections or treatment thereof.? Probiotics are generally used for a variety of indications which include improvement of intestinal health by the regulation of microbiota, stimulation and development of the immune system, increasing synthesis and bioavailability of nutrients, reducing lactose intolerance, and also risk of other GI related diseases.

BENEFITS OF PROBIOTIC:

Probiotics establish themselves in the GI tract and thus help in enhancing their ability to eradicate competitor organisms. By the various end products & by products released by probiotics, it creates an environment which is detrimental for food borne pathogens and other spoilage organisms. This directly helps in the increase in resistance to enteric pathogens. Probiotics also help in lactose digestion. Probiotics enhance the immune system by enhancing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines along with various other mechanisms. With an increase in bifidobacterial cell count, there is an increase in detoxification and excretion of toxic metabolites. Enhancing the immune system also prevents excessive immunological responses thereby resulting in reduced allergic reactions. Probiotics are known to have a significant antioxidative effect which helps in reducing blood cholesterol and also reduce the chances of heart disease. It’s action on milk protein results in the release of anti-hypertensive tripeptides which ultimately reduces blood pressure. Due to the ability of a probiotic to adhere and grow in the gut flora, competitive colonization and competitive inhibition and exclusion of other gut microbiota, it is very effective in reducing H Pylori and infections there after along with reduction in instances of Hepatic Encephalopathy. Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Crohn’s Disease are also benefited by the use of Probiotics. Gut flora has been seen to affect the pathogenesis of insulin resistance through many well documented studies. Thus, a regulation in the gut flora has been seen to affect obesity and diabetes in a positive way and has become a potential targeted treatment for diabetics and obese population.

FEATURES OF A PROBIOTIC: For probiotics to be successful and effective, they should ideally

1. Be able to survive at the site of action
2. Be able to replicate at the site of action
3. Should not trigger an immune reaction
4. Should not be mutagenic, carcinogenic, allergic or pathogenic
5. Tolerate low pH
6. Be of human use origin

TYPES OF PROBIOTICS:

• LACTOBACILLUS: Naturally found in the digestive, urinary, and genital systems. Yoghurt and fermented food naturally carry Lactobacillus.
• BIFIDOBACTERIA: Naturally make up about 90% of the healthy colonic flora. Present at birth in infants and is a marker of intestinal health.
• SACCHAROMYSES BOULARDII: It is the only yeast probiotic and is effective in treating diarrhea.
• STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILUS: Effective in treatment of lactose intolerance
• ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM: Normally found in human intestine

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MECHANISM OF ACTION OF PROBIOTICS:

Probiotics have a multitude of mechanisms and influences on the host. Probiotics influence the epithelial and mucosal barrier function, the intestinal luminal environment and the mucosal immune system. Epithelial cells, dendritic cells, monocytes/macrophages, B cells & T cells are of the numerous cells which are affected in a positive way by probiotics. The ability to survive in the acidic as well as the alkaline environment of gut along with their ability to adhere and colonize the colon defines the effectiveness of any probiotic.

For Probiotics (including Prebiotics and Postbiotic) contact Eskag Pharma Pvt Ltd

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+91 906 265 4505 +91 33 4025 1512