Journalism of Courage
What are probiotics?
According to WHO /FAO probiotics are defined as “live micro organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host”.
These bacteria can be formulated into many different types of products including foods,drugs and dietary supplements. Species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are most commonly used as probiotics but Bacillus,E.coli,Streptococcus species and the yeast Saccharomyces and are also used as probiotics.
Are they similar to the bacteria found in curd?
he bacteria in curd are different. Reputed probiotic foods contain specific beneficial bacteria in large quantities that are resistant to gastric juices and bile and reach the intestine alive to impart health benefits. The curd bacteria differ from home to home and may be sensitive to gastric and biliary juices and hence may be unable to survive the transit through the Gastrointestinal tract. Since they do not reach the intestines live they have limited potential to significantly alter the gut flora for improvement of health.
How are they good for our health?
Probiotics are intended to assist the body’s naturally occurring gut micro biota by favourably altering the intestinal microflora balance,inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and thus promoting better digestion. They are also known to boost immune function and hence increase resistance to infection.
Do we always have to have them with milk products? Or are there other ways to consume probiotics?
Dairy products are preferred because the low pH of these products helps in buffering stomach acidity thereby ensuring that the bacteria is able to survive the transit through the GI tract. Moreover since most of these products have a short shelf life and require refrigeration to ensure the viability of the strain,the product delivers the required number of probiotic bacteria when consumed as a dairy product. However they are also being consumed in the form of drugs/medicine to treat a specific condition.
Do we need to have them daily?
Most probiotic bacteria are unable to permanently colonize/grow in the gut. They usually get flushed out with the stools. Their benefits can only be realised during the process of their transient growth in the gut. Hence it is important to take them regularly for a health benefit.
Having how much of Probiotics daily is enough? Will excess of it harm?
The daily intake recommendation for the probiotic varies greatly from strain to strain. Although most products deliver in the range of 1to 10 billion bacteria/serving some products have been shown to be efficacious at lower levels while some require substantially more. It is not possible to state a general dose for probiotic foods; the dosage has to be based on human studies showing a health benefit.
Typically one serving is enough for a day. However since these are beneficial bacteria,consuming more will not do any harm.
Contributed by Dr. Neerja Hajela
