Probiotics: Current knowledge update

Abstract

Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeasts. They are administered in different quantities that allow for colon colonization. These products help in stimulating health promoting flora and also suppressing the pathologic colonization and disease spread. Probiotics are live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The term probiotic was first used in 1965, by Lilly and Stillwell, to describe substances secreted by one organism which stimulates the growth of another. The use of antibiotics, immunosuppressive therapy, and irradiation, among other means of treatment, may cause alterations in the composition and have an effect on the gut flora. Therefore, the introduction of beneficial bacterial species to gastrointestinal tract may be a very attractive option to reestablish the microbial equilibrium and prevent disease. Probiotics are not the same thing as prebiotics - nondigestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial microorganisms already in people's colons. When probiotics and prebiotics are mixed together, they form a symbiotic. The use of probiotic plays an important aspect in dentistry too ever since the oral infections occupied the prime space among the other infections effecting the humans. This concept of microbial ecologic change both for medical and dental changes has accumulated a lot of evidence in recent times. However, to date, no substantial literature and use have been postulated.