Introduction
Probiotics are conventional foods and dietary supplements that contain strains of helpful bacteria and that can offer benefits beyond basic nutrition when eaten regularly in a balanced diet and in high enough quantities. According to the World Health Organization, probiotics are "Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host (ftp://ftp.fao.org/es/esn/food/wgreport2.pdf, 2002)". Currently probiotics are primarily available to consumers in the form of conventional foods (mainly dairy foods) and certain dietary supplements. Researchers believe these benefits are due, in part, to the effects probiotic bacteria have on a wide range of our body's functions. Several different types of probiotic cultures (L. casei, L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, B. bifidum) are being introduced in an expanding variety of dairy products around the world. Daily consumption of probiotic foods, such as "live active culture" yogurt, and cultured dairy and juice drinks, may be beneficial in one of several ways (Gill et al., 2004).
Probiotics May Help Support Our Bodies in a Variety of Ways
Consuming certain probiotic foods and supplements may help regulate the digestive system or help support the immune system; and probiotic dairy foods can provide a much-needed source of calcium for those of us who are unable to enjoy most dairy foods because of lactose-intolerance. Numerous studies have shown that regular consumption of certain probiotic foods helps to maintain the delicate balance of our intestinal microflora (Adolfsson et al., 2004), which can have a range of beneficial effects.
Introduction
Is Viability Important?
Introduction
