DEPARTMENT OF DAIRY SCIENCE

MADRAS VETERINARY COLLEGE

CHENNAI-07

LPT-311

ASSIGNMENT ON:

PROBIOTICS

SUBMITTED TO:
Dr.C.NARESH KUMAR Ph.D,
PROFESSOR AND HEAD
DEPARTMENT OF DAIRY SCIENCE

SUBMITTED BY:
THANIGAIVEL.P
BVM-06128-D BATCH
 III-B.V.Sc & A.H

PROBIOTICS
Probiotics are dietary supplements of live bacteria or yeasts
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’.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common type of

microbes used. LAB have been used in the food industry for many
years, because they are able to convert sugars (including lactose)
and other carbohydrates into lactic acid. This not only provides the
characteristic sour taste of fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, but
also, by lowering the pH, may create fewer opportunities for spoilage
organisms to grow, hence creating possible health benefits by
preventing gastrointestinal infections. Strains of the genera
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are the most widely used probiotic
bacteria.

Probiotic bacterial cultures are intended to assist the body's

naturally occurring gut flora, an ecology of microbes, to re-establish
themselves. They are sometimes recommended by doctors, and,
more frequently, by nutritionists, after a course of antibiotics, or as
part of the treatment for gut related candidiasis. In these cases, the
bacteria that work well with our bodies (see symbiosis) may decrease
in number, an event which allows harmful competitors to thrive, to the
detriment of our health. Claims are made that probiotics strengthen
the immune system to combat allergies, excessive alcohol intake,
stress, exposure to toxic substances, and other diseases.

Maintenance of a healthy gut flora is, however, dependent on

many factors, especially the quality of food intake.
 HISTORY OF PROBIOTICS

Probiotics, which means, "for life," have been used for

centuries as natural components in health-promoting foods.The
original observation of the positive role played by certain bacteria
was first introduced by Russian scientist and Nobel laureate Eli
Metchnikoff, who in the beginning of the 20th century suggested that
it would be possible to modify the gut flora and to replace harmful
microbes by useful microbes. Metchnikoff, at that time a professor at
the Pasteur Institute in Paris, produced the notion that the ageing
process results from the activity of putrefactive (proteolytic) microbes
producing toxic substances in the large bowel. Proteolytic bacteria
such as clostridia, which are part of the normal gut flora, produce
toxic substances including phenols, indols and ammonia from the
digestion of proteins. According to Metchnikoff these compounds
were responsible for what he called "intestinal auto-intoxication",
which caused the physical changes associated with old age. It was at
that time known that milk fermented with lactic-acid bacteria inhibits
the growth of proteolytic bacteria because of the low pH produced by
the fermentation of lactose. Metchnikoff had also observed that
certain rural populations in Europe, for example in Bulgaria and the
Russian Steppes who lived largely on milk fermented by lactic-acid
bacteria were exceptionally long lived. Based on these facts,
Metchnikoff proposed that consumption of fermented milk would
"seed" the intestine with harmless lactic-acid bacteria and decrease
the intestinal pH and that this would suppress the growth of
proteolytic bacteria. Metchnikoff himself introduced in his diet sour
milk fermented with the bacteria he called "Bulgarian Bacillus" and
found his health benefited. Friends in Paris soon followed his
example and physicians began prescribing the sour milk diet for their
patients.

ADVERSE EFFECTS

There is no published evidence that probiotic supplements are

able to completely replace the body’s natural flora when these have
been killed off; indeed bacterial levels in faeces disappear within
days when supplementation ceases. While the oral use of probiotics
is considered safe and even recommended by World Health
Organization under specific guidelines, in some specific situations
(such as critically ill patients) they could be potentially harmful. In one
therapeutic clinical trial, a probiotic cocktail increased the death rate
of patients with acute pancreatitis Probiotics have been shown to be
beneficial for other types of patients

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

Experiments into the benefits of probiotic therapies suggest a

range of potentially beneficial medicinal uses for probiotics. For many
of the potential benefits, research is limited and only preliminary
results are available. It should be noted that the effects described are
not general effects of probiotics. Recent research on the molecular
biology and genomics of Lactobacillus has focused on the interaction
with the immune system, anti-cancer potential, and potential as a
biotherapeutic agent in cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea,
travellers' diarrhoea, pediatric diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease
and irritable bowel syndrome.[4] All effects can only be attributed to
the strain(s) tested, not to the species, nor to the whole group of LAB
(or other probiotics).

MANAGING LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

As lactic acid bacteria actively convert lactose into lactic acid,

ingestion of certain active strains may help lactose intolerant
individuals tolerate more lactose than what they would have
otherwise. In practice probiotics are not specifically targeted for this
purpose, as most are relatively low in lactase activity as compared to
the normal yogurt bacteria.

PREVENTION OF COLON CANCER

In laboratory investigations, some strains of LAB have

demonstrated anti-mutagenic effects thought to be due to their ability
to bind with heterocyclic amines, which are carcinogenic substances
formed in cooked meat.Animal studies have demonstrated that some
LAB can protect against colon cancer in rodents, though human data
is limited and conflicting. Most human trials have found that the
strains tested may exert anti-carcinogenic effects by decreasing the
activity of an enzyme called β-glucuronidase(which can generate
carcinogens in the digestive system). Lower rates of colon cancer
among higher consumers of fermented dairy products have been
observed in some population studies.

LOWERING CHOLESTEROL

Animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy of a range of

LAB to be able to lower serum cholesterol levels, presumably by
breaking down bile in the gut, thus inhibiting its reabsorption (which
enters the blood as cholesterol). Some, but not all human trials have
shown that dairy foods fermented with specific LAB can produce
modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels in those with
normal levels to begin with, however trials in hyperlipidemic subjects
are needed.

LOWERING BLOOD PRESSURE

Several small clinical trials have shown that consumption of

milk fermented with various strains of LAB can result in modest
reductions in blood pressure. It is thought that this is due to the ACE
inhibitor-like peptides produced during fermentation.

IMPROVING IMMUNE FUNCTION AND PREVENTING

INFECTIONS

LAB are thought to have several presumably beneficial effects

on immune function. They may protect against pathogens by means
of competitive inhibition (i.e., by competing for growth) and there is
evidence to suggest that they may improve immune function by
increasing the number of IgA-producing plasma cells, increasing or
improving phagocytosis as well as increasing the proportion of T
lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells.Clinical trials have demonstrated
that probiotics may decrease the incidence of respiratory tract
infections and dental caries in children. LAB foods and supplements
have been shown to be effective in the treatment and prevention of
acute diarrhea, and in decreasing the severity and duration of
rotavirus infections in children and travelers' diarrhea in adults.
Recently, clear immune enhancing effect of probiotics is
demonstrated in the gut of healthy subjects. In a randomized, double
blind, placebo controlled, crossover study, healthy volunteers
ingested either live probiotic cells (Lactobacillus plantarum),
inactivated cells of the same probiotic, or a placebo. Gene
expression analysis of biopsies from the duodenum has shown
clearly the effect of the live probiotic on cellular processes. These
processes activate the immune system enabling it to play its
protective role (the immune response).

HELICOBACTER PYLORI

LAB are also thought to aid in the treatment of Helicobacter

pylori infections (which cause peptic ulcers) in adults when used in
combination with standard medical treatments.

ANTIBIOTIC-ASSOCIATED DIARRHEA

A meta-analysis suggested probiotics may reduce antibiotic-

associated diarrhea. A subsequent randomized controlled trial also
found benefit in elderly patients.

In a randomized clinical trial, published in 2007, a University of

Montreal team of pharmacologists demonstrated that lactobacilli-
fermented solution can be effective in AAD prevention in hospitalized
patients”.

REDUCING INFLAMMATION

LAB foods and supplements have been found to modulate

inflammatory and hypersensitivity responses, an observation thought
to be at least in part due to the regulation of cytokine function.Clinical
studies suggest that they can prevent reoccurrences of inflammatory
bowel disease in adults, as well as improve milk allergies.They are
not effective for treating eczema, a persistent skin inflammation.

Improving mineral absorption

It is hypothesized that probiotic lactobacilli may help correct

malabsorption of trace minerals, found particularly in those with diets
high in phytate content from whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

Prevents harmful bacterial growth under stress

In a study done to see the effects of stress on intestinal flora, rats
that were fed probiotics had little occurrence of harmful bacteria
latched onto their intestines compared to rats that were fed sterile
water.

Irritable bowel syndrome and colitis

B. infantis 35624, sold as Align, was found to improve some

symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in women in a recent study.
Another probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, was also
found to be effective in reducing IBS symptoms.[Additionally, a
probiotic formulation, VSL#3, was found to be safe in treating
ulcerative colitis, though efficacy in the study was
uncertain.Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010 may help.

Synbiotics

As probiotics are mainly active in the small intestine and

prebiotics are only effective in the large intestine,the combination of
the two may give a synergistic effect. Appropriate combinations of
pre- and probiotics are synbiotics.

Strains

The most common form for probiotics are dairy products and
probiotic fortified foods. However, tablets, capsules, powders and
sachets containing the bacteria in freeze dried form are also
available.

Proven probiotic strains.

Strain Brandname Producer Proven effect in humans
Lactobacillus Cultura Arla Foods Improves digestive health,
casei F19 immune stimulation, reduces
antibiotic-associated
diarrhoea, induces satiety,
metabolizes body fat,
reduces weight gain
Lactococcus lactis Norrmejerier Immune stimulation,
L1A improves digestive health,
reduces antibiotic-
associated diarrhoea
Lactobacillus GoodBelly / NextFoods
plantarum 299V ProViva/ Probi Ferring
TuZen
Lactobacillus BioGaia Diarrhea prevention and
reuteri ATTC Biologics mitigation in children,
55730 eradication of H. pylori
(Lactobacillus infection,amelioration of
reuteri SD2112) gingivitis, general illness
prevention i and adults

Norrmejerier Immune stimulation,

Verum improves digestive health,
Lactobacillus reduces antibiotic-
rhamnosus LB21 associated diarrhea
Saccharomyces DiarSafe Wren against antibiotic-associated
cerevisiae and others Laboratories diarrhoea and [[Clostridium
(boulardii) lyo and others difficile]] infections; to treat
acute diarrhoea in adults &
children.

Some commonly used bacteria in products, but without probiotic

effect (yoghurt bacteria):

• Lactobacillus bulgaricus
• Streptococcus thermophilus

Some other bacteria mentioned in probiotic products:

• Bacillus coagulans
• Lactobacillus bifidus - became new genus Bifidobacterium

Benefits of Probiotics

The following is a list of some of the known benefits of probiotics:

 Hydrocarbons are broken down by probiotic bacteria which
means the food is being split into its most basic elements. This allows
almost total absorption through the digestive system. In this way
probiotics dramatically increase overall nutrition and enhance rapid
cellular growth and development.

The intestinal tract is cleaned by probiotics. They go under the

layer of crud on the intestinal walls, attach themselves and dislodge
the accumulated decay. This waste is then flushed out naturally.

Probiotics also produce many important enzymes and increase

the availability of vitamins and nutrients, especially Vitamin B, Vitamin
K, lactase, fatty acids and calcium.

Another one of the benefits of probiotics is that the bacteria

strengthen the immune system. Because of this support to the
immune system, they have been used in alleviating allergies, chronic
fatigue syndrome and systemic candida.

Constipation is quickly relieved by probiotics and the bowel

movements become normalized, which means diarrhea is also
reduced.

These good bacteria produce specific proteins that act as

antigens. The reservoirs of nonspecific antigens are then available
for the immune system to use in battling all kinds of different disease
conditions.

Key points

• People use probiotic products as CAM to prevent and treat

certain illnesses and support general wellness.
• There is limited evidence supporting some uses of probiotics.
Much more scientific knowledge is needed about probiotics,
including about their safety and appropriate use.
• Effects found from one species or strain of probiotics do not
necessarily hold true for others, or even for different
preparations of the same species or strain.
• Tell your health care providers about any CAM practices you
use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your
health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
Uses for health purposes

There are several reasons that people are interested in probiotics for
health purposes.

This bacterial "balancing act" can be thrown off in two major ways:

1. By antibiotics, when they kill friendly bacteria in the gut along

with unfriendly bacteria. Some people use probiotics to try to
offset side effects from antibiotics like gas, cramping, or
diarrhea. Similarly, some use them to ease symptoms of
lactose intolerance—a condition in which the gut lacks the
enzyme needed to digest significant amounts of the major
sugar in milk, and which also causesgastrointestinalsymptoms.

2. "Unfriendly" microorganisms such as disease-causing

bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and parasites can also upset the
balance. Researchers are exploring whether probiotics could
halt these unfriendly agents in the first place and/or suppress
their growth and activity in conditions like:

o Infectious diarrhea
o Irritable bowel syndrome
o Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis and
Crohn's disease)
o Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium
that causes most ulcers and many types of chronic
stomach inflammation
o Tooth decay and periodontal disease
o Vaginal infections
o Stomach and respiratory infections that children acquire
in daycare
o Skin infections
 References

1. FAO/WHO (2001) Health and Nutritional Properties of

Probiotics in Food including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid
Bacteria. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on
Evaluation of Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in
Food Including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria.

2. Nichols, Andrew W. (2007). "Probiotics and athletic

performance: A systematic review". Current Sports Medicine
Reports (Current Medicine Group LLC) 6 (4): 269–273.
doi:10.1007/s11932-007-0044-5.
http://www.springerlink.com/content/x363q11g7878m4tj/.
Retrieved on 6 November.

3. Tannock G (editor). (2005). Probiotics and Prebiotics: Scientific

Aspects (1st ed. ed.). Caister Academic Press. ISBN 978-1-
904455-01-8 . http://www.horizonpress.com/pro3.