Probiotics as Agents of Health Improvement, Infection Control and Diseases Treatment: A Review

Abstract

Aims: This review presents valuable information on the contribution of probiotics to the improvement of health and quality of life. Background: Due to their roles in normal physiology and impacts on human health, probiotics have become a subject of great interests especially in the field of Microbiology. The results of several well-designed clinical studies have shown probiotics to be reliable therapeutic option for the prevention, treatment and control of various health conditions; gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, depressive symptoms and autoimmune disorders. Probiotics enhance gastrointestinal tract (GIT) health via vitamins production and supply to the human host and have also been reported to improve immune function thus, inhibiting pathogen invasion and colonization/development. Some show direct/indirect immune modulating capabilities by enhancing mucosal barrier functions, modulating sensory motor functions and delivering antigens. Many probiotic foods possess antioxidant properties that enable them to withstand oxidative stress and strengthen hosts’ anti oxidative defense mechanism. Findings/Conclusion: The potential application of probiotics in functional foods and pharmaceuticals could demonstrate the improvement of health and quality of life.