Probiotics

Introduction

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts. They are often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria and are commonly found in fermented foods, dietary supplements, and sometimes added to other foods. Probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the gut microbiota, which is essential for various bodily functions including digestion, immune response, and even mental health. 

Classification

Probiotics are primarily classified based on the type of microorganisms they contain, which generally fall into two major categories:

1. Bacteria:

   • Lactobacillus: This is one of the most common probiotic genera. Species like L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and L. casei are well-known for their beneficial effects.

   • Bifidobacterium: Another prevalent genus, including species such as B. longum and B. bifidum, which are crucial for gut health.

   • Other Bacteria: Includes Streptococcus thermophilus, Enterococcus faecium, and Bacillus coagulans.

2. Yeasts:

   • Saccharomyces boulardii: A beneficial yeast often used to prevent and treat diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Uses

Among other things, probiotics help send food through your gut by affecting nerves that control gut movement. Researchers are still trying to figure out which are best for certain health problems. Some common conditions they treat are:

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites)

• Diarrhea caused by antibiotics

There is also some research that shows they're useful for problems in other parts of your body. For example, some people say they have helped with:

• Skin conditions, like eczema

• Urinary and vaginal health

• Preventing allergies and colds

• Oral health

Mechanism of action

• Probiotics can moderate gut motility by a direct action on enteric nervous system or via epithelial cells. It has been known that probiotics could interact with the enteric nervous system to attenuated diarrhea from infectious or secretory diarrhea. 

• Probiotics prevent pathogenic bacteria by restricting binding sites on mucosal epithelial cells and modulating the host immune response, thus improving intestinal barrier integrity  

•  Competitive exclusion of pathogens for adhesion sites, improvement of the intestinal mucosal barrier, gut immunomodulation, and neurotransmitter synthesis. 

Side Effects

While there’s little specific research on the safety of probiotics, they appear to be safe for healthy people to take. They have a long history of widespread and regular use among the public. There’s a small risk of adverse side effects for people with weaker immune systems. This includes people taking immunosuppressant drugs, people with critical illnesses and infants who’ve been born prematurely.

The risk is that a probiotic product might contain a harmful type of microbe along with the helpful types. Microbes are very small, so it’s possible for the wrong kind to slip in under the radar if a product isn’t rigorously tested. This is rare, and it’s not a serious risk for most people. A healthy immune system will easily clear out the imposter. But in a weakened immune system, it could cause a serious infection.