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Probiotics - everything you need to know



Probiotics

Etymologically, the term Probiotic stands for pro ("for") and the Greek adjective bios ("life").

According to FAO/WHO : Probiotics are "Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host".

->Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system.

->Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits.

->Products sold as probiotics include foods (such as yogurt), dietary supplements, and products that are not used orally, such as skin creams.


How the concept came ??

The concept behind probiotics was introduced in the early 20th century, when Nobel laureate Elie Metchnikoff, known as the “father of probiotics,” proposed that consuming beneficial microorganisms could improve people’s health. Researchers continued to investigate this idea, and the term “probiotics”—meaning “for life”—eventually came into use.

Mechanism of Action of Probiotics
Probiotics ostensibly fulfill their definition through a variety of somewhat disparate, somewhat overlapping mechanisms. These include:
  • Regulation of intestinal microbial homeostasis
  • Antimicrobial activity
  • Immuno-modulation
  • Pathogen exclusion


Types of Probiotics

Lactobacillus based ->Most common probiotic. found in yogurt and other fermented foods. Different strains can help with diarrhea and may help with people who can’t digest lactose, the sugar milk.
Bifidobacterium based -> found  in some dairy products , helps ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and some other conditions.
What Do probiotics Do?
Probiotics help move food through your gut. Researchers are still trying to figure out which are best for certain health problems. Some common conditions they treat are:
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites)
  • Antibiotic-related diarrhea
PROBIOTICS – in  INDIA
·         Indian probiotic industry is in its infancy stage and presently accounts for only a small fraction i.e. less than 1% of the total world market turnover in the probiotic industry.
·         India is emerging as a major probiotic market of the future with annual growth rate of 22.6% until 2015 with a handful of players in Indian probiotic industry are Amul, Mother Dairy, Yakult Danone and Nestle along with other minor players operating in different regions in their own capacities
·         Nestle NESVITA was India’s first Dahi with Probiotics – For Healthy Digestion

GLOBAL SCENARIO OF PROBIOTICS
Europe forms the largest market for probiotics with an estimated $13.5 billion by 2014. Asia is the second largest segment, growing at with an estimated CAGR of 11.2% to reach $9.0 billion by 2014. A Frost and Sullivan study estimates that the probiotic ingredient market in the US was $450 million in 2010. Probiotics, with a market of $3.23 billion is a large part of Japanese functional foods. The Japanese spent $126 per person per year on functional foods and it is higher than other countries including US ($67.9), Europe ($51.2) and Asia ($3.20)

Some probiotic products

 

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