Lactic acid bacteria intestinal microflora

Probiotic supplements contain viable bacteria (e.g., bifidobacteria and lactobacilli), designed to shift the balance of the microflora in the large intestines to the detriment of harmful bacteria. Probiotics can contain prebiotics as substrates (synbiotics), while prebiotics can be administered alone to promote endogenous populations of bifidogenic or lactic acid bacteria. These represent a... 

In 1908 Elie Metchnikoff was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work with the lactic acid bacteria (LAB). He reported that populations that ingested soured milk such as the Bulgarians were known for their longevity. He studied intestinal microflora and reported that LAB were beneficial to human health, making him the first scientist to report benefits of these organisms. Since then, numerous scientists have studied not only the health benefits associated with the LAB, but also the concept of microbial antagonism of the LAB toward food-borne pathogens. 

Ferencrk M, Ebringer L, Mikes Z, Jahnova E, Ciznar I (1999) Beneficial modification of the human intestinal microflora using orally administered lactic acid bacteria (in Slovak). Bratisl Lek Listy 100 238-245... 

According to this definition the safety and efficacy of probiotics must be scientifically demonstrated. However, as different probiotics may interact with the host in different manners, their properties and characteristics should be well defined. It is understood that probiotic strains, independent of genera and species, are unique and that the properties and human health effects of each strain must be assessed in a case-by-case manner. Most probiotics are currently either lactic acid bacteria or bifidobacteria, but new species and genera are being assessed for future use. The probiotic bacteria in current use have been isolated from the intestinal microflora of healthy human subjects of long-standing good health and thus most of them are also members of the healthy intestinal microflora. 

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