Probing Probiotics

Defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host, probiotics are being used in numerous dietary supplements and food and beverage products. Research on the potential health benefits of probiotics has focused on such health conditions as pediatric acute infectious diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and others. Many strains of bacteria have been shown to have a health bene…