Probiotic

Probiotics are live microorganisms thought to be healthy for the host organism. According to the currently adopted definition by FAO/WHO, probiotics are: "Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host".

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are thought to be beneficial in preventing several health conditions. They are usually consumed as supplements or yoghurts and are also referred to as “good bacteria.”

Probiotic Strains

Probiotic Research

Probiotic Benefits

Probiotic Side Effects

Probiotics History

Friendly bacteria: do we really need to eat probiotic yogurts?

Kefir Health Benefits

Can Probiotics Ever Be Harmful to Human Health?

Latest Probiotic News and Research

Pregnancy stress and mental health affect the oral microbiome

The number and type of microbes present in the saliva of pregnant women differ according to whether they are experiencing life stress and symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finds a study published in the open access journal BMJ Mental Health.

20 Nov 2024

Can probiotics improve insulin resistance in women with PCOS?

The review highlights the role of probiotics and synbiotics in enhancing insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance in PCOS, suggesting new avenues for treatment.

20 Nov 2024

Western diet accelerates endometriosis growth and disrupts gut health

This study found that a Western diet doubles the growth of endometriotic lesions in mice and depletes the gut microbiome's beneficial bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila, which may exacerbate endometriosis symptoms.

12 Nov 2024

Ketogenic diet linked to gut microbes and seizure reduction in epileptic children

The ketogenic diet's anti-seizure effects in children may be influenced by gut bacteria and metabolites, highlighting their role in epilepsy treatment.

7 Nov 2024

Gut health and diet: Keys to treating acne, alopecia, and dermatitis

Consuming diets rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, combined with the use of probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics, improves overall skin health.

24 Oct 2024

Scientists discover gut microbiome differences in children with autism

Researchers found differences in gut bacteria between children with autism and typically developing children but caution that more research is needed to clarify these associations and their therapeutic potential.

20 Oct 2024

Researchers awarded $7 million to innovate probiotic treatments for lung infections

University of California San Diego and University of California Berkeley researchers have been awarded up to $7 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to conduct research under the PROTECT project -; Pro/Prebiotic Regulation for Optimized Treatment and Eradication of Clinical Threats.

10 Oct 2024

Exploring the role of gut microbes in the aging process

Aging is a universal and complex process affecting all organisms, characterized by several genetic hallmarks such as telomere attrition, genomic instability, and epigenetic changes.

9 Oct 2024

Scientists uncover two Crohn’s disease subtypes using lab-grown intestines, offering hope for personalized therapies

Researchers used stem-cell derived organoids from Crohn's disease patients to identify two molecular subtypes, paving the way for personalized treatments targeting specific disease characteristics.

2 Oct 2024

Microcins offer promising new approach to treating cholera

More than a million people each year die from infections by pathogens that are resistant to antimicrobials, and the problem is growing.

11 Sep 2024

Natural probiotic present in gut shortly after birth

Findings on neonatal gut microbiota reveal key Bifidobacteria species driving microbiome assembly and their potential in developing personalized probiotics.

10 Sep 2024

Study reveals key bacteria for developing personalized probiotics for newborns

Newborn babies have one of three pioneer bacteria in their gut shortly after birth, one of which could be used to develop new personalized infant therapeutic probiotics, researchers show.

6 Sep 2024

Fermented foods' health impacts analyzed in groundbreaking European study

Review evaluates the health benefits and risks of fermented foods using a systematic approach, setting a foundation for future studies on their role in nutrition and public health.

6 Sep 2024

Fermented lingonberry juice shown to reduce inflammation and support gut health in IBD

Fermented lingonberry juice may help manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by modulating both the oral and gut microbiomes, reducing inflammation, and promoting beneficial bacteria.

2 Sep 2024

Should extremely preterm infants be given probiotics?

Researchers found that probiotics similarly impact the gut microbiome in extremely preterm infants as in very preterm infants, suggesting potential benefits for NEC prevention, but further research is needed.

26 Aug 2024

Unique strain of probiotic bacteria shows potential in combating inflammatory diseases

23 Aug 2024

Probiotic offers protection against intestinal damage

There is a critical unmet need to help tighten and maintain a healthy intestinal barrier and treat a leaky gut. Researchers have now found that a unique strain of probiotic bacteria, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB1, enhances intestinal barrier function and protects against penetration of bacteria and various harmful agents in the intestine. The findings, detailed in an article in The American Journal of Pathology, published by Elsevier, can help advance the development of novel, targeted, naturally occurring probiotic therapy for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other inflammatory diseases, such as fatty liver disease or alcoholic liver disease, that are associated with a leaky or disordered intestinal barrier.

23 Aug 2024