USProbiotics.org

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host (FAO 2001)."

This definition came from a consensus group of experts convened by the FAO in 2002 (PDF, page 5). Through the years, many other definitions have been suggested, but this definition from the FAO group seems the most encompassing.

Check out the latest articles and reports on probiotics In The News, in our featured Clinical Study Highlight and on our Resources page.

Why Probiotics?

Scientists are learning more each day about the role of microbes in keeping people healthy and the multitude of health benefits associated with consuming the right type and levels of probiotic microbes.

Research has suggested that probiotic bacteria can:

Help reduce the risk of certain diarrheal illnesses ^ref
Assist lactose intolerant ^ref people with lactose digestion
Enhance the immune function ^ref

Some preliminary studies also report that certain probiotics can play a role in reducing the development of allergy in children, decreasing Helicobacter pylori colonization of the stomach, helping patients cope with side effects of antibiotic therapy, managing relapse of some inflammatory bowel conditions, decreasing the risk of certain cancers, decreasing dental-caries-causing microbes in the mouth, and keeping healthy people healthy.

See Probiotics Basics for this and more.

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Probiotics, probiotic research and probiotic foods are fast growing topics as consumer awareness continues to increase. The USprobiotics.org site is a comprehensive, up-to-date resource on probiotic reseach and development and the consumer health benefits of probiotics in the United States as well as a reference for global probiotic activities. This site will give consumers, healthcare professionals and industry professionals a good background on the world of probiotics – what they are, what we know about them, and what to consider for commercial and personal use. Probiotics Handout: Background and products in the US Webcast Probiotics: Applications in Gastrointestinal Health & Disease Presented in conjunction with the American College of Gastroenterology’s 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting held October 16, 2007 Program Proceedings (PDF) Program made possible through an unrestricted educational grant provided by The Dannon Company, Inc. and Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.	What are Probiotics? Probiotics are "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host (FAO 2001)." This definition came from a consensus group of experts convened by the FAO in 2002 (PDF, page 5). Through the years, many other definitions have been suggested, but this definition from the FAO group seems the most encompassing. Check out the latest articles and reports on probiotics In The News, in our featured Clinical Study Highlight and on our Resources page. Why Probiotics? Scientists are learning more each day about the role of microbes in keeping people healthy and the multitude of health benefits associated with consuming the right type and levels of probiotic microbes. Research has suggested that probiotic bacteria can: Help reduce the risk of certain diarrheal illnesses ^ref Assist lactose intolerant ^ref people with lactose digestion Enhance the immune function ^ref Some preliminary studies also report that certain probiotics can play a role in reducing the development of allergy in children, decreasing Helicobacter pylori colonization of the stomach, helping patients cope with side effects of antibiotic therapy, managing relapse of some inflammatory bowel conditions, decreasing the risk of certain cancers, decreasing dental-caries-causing microbes in the mouth, and keeping healthy people healthy. See Probiotics Basics for this and more.