With the growing use of probiotics, many of which are labeled with similar-sounding names, it's natural to have many questions surrounding these health supplements. Probiotic supplements are generally safe and and cause minimal side effects. Additionally, there's growing evidence that they may actually be effective in treating certain health conditions. Like any health supplement, consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking probiotic supplements.
Description
The term "probiotic" is often used to refer to several different things. The official definition of probiotcs is "live microorganisms administered in adequate amounts which confer a beneficial health effect on the host," as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. While this is the generally accepted definition of probiotics, health supplements aren't closely regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, meaning some health products may be labeled probiotic without actually meeting this definition.
Active Cultures
One term you may frequently see on probiotic labels is the word "active." When applied to probiotic health supplements, the word active means the microorganisms it contains are alive and able to act on your body once you ingest them. The microorganisms in probiotics must be alive to confer health benefits, so look for supplements that contain live organisms. However, because the FDA doesn't closely regulate health supplements, some products may be labeled as active without actually containing live organisms.
Organisms
Many different types of organisms may be called probiotics, although the most common are several species of bacteria. Some of the most common probiotic supplements contain bacteria belonging to the Lactobacillus genera, including L. acidophilus, L. gasseri and L. johnsonii, reports the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in a February 2011 article. Bacteria of the Bifidobacterium genera are also common, including B. infantis, B. bifidum and B. longum.
Health Benefits
Probiotic bacteria may be particularly beneficial for the digestive tract, which depends on the proper balance of microorganisms to maintain optimal health. Digestive disorders, such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome appear to benefit from treatment with probiotic supplements, says the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Additionally, probiotics appear effective in treating diarrhea in children and infants, but not in adults. As with any supplement, your results with probiotics may vary.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; An Introduction to Probiotics; August 2008
- Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide; Health Benefits of Taking Probiotics; September 2005
- USProbiotics.org; Probiotic Basics; Mary Ellen Sanders; 2007
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Probiotic Bacteria in Fermented Foods: Product Characteristics and Starter Organisms; Kurt J Heller, et al.; February 2001
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