Probiotic bacteria and health The use of probiotics in adults

The scientific literature demonstrates that probiotic bacteria may provide a wide range of health-beneficial effects going beyond basic nutrition. One of the frequently described benefits associated with the consumption of probiotics in foods is the stimulation of the immune system resulting in improved body resistance. To date the immune system is increasingly compromised by an unbalanced lifestyle, stress or frequent intake of antibiotics. Different human studies have demonstrated the clinical relevance of specific probiotic microorganisms, especially in the management of gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea of various etiologies or in the improvement of Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis. Although the safety of probiotic bacteria has been demonstrated by a variety of studies, proper risk assessment should be performed for every (new) probiotic microorganism which is intended for human consumption. In this context, the studies on the molecular mechanisms of probiotic health associated effects and the analysis of the bacterial genome are valid tools for future benefit-risk assessments. By this, in the near future, the use of selected probiotic strains as nutritional support of current therapies can be extended to clinical applications.