Probiotics and Health Improvement

  • Tatiana Colombo Pimentel Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL
Keywords: Probiotics, Health, Activity Mechanisms.

Abstract

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a beneficial effect to the individual when consumed in adequate amounts. Current essay reviews the literature on probiotics, presents possible mechanisms of their activity in the human body and health benefits through their regular consumption. Research on the effect of probiotic cultures in improving the symptoms of lactose intolerance has shown positive effects for many people. Certain strains of probiotics would be able to decrease the amount of fecal enzymes involved in colon cancer, while others have antidiarrheal effect, although the amount used, the causes of the problem and sub-population involved have to be clearly defined. There are also some indications that probiotics may improve intestinal regularity. The lack of studies on human beings and the conflicting results suggest that it is very early claims hypocholesterolemic and anticarcinogenic effects associated with probiotic cultures.

Author Biography

Tatiana Colombo Pimentel, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL
Engenheira de Alimentos; Doutoranda em Ciência de Alimentos pela Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL/CCA/DCTA. E-mail: tatipimentel@hotmail.com
Published
2011-02-03
Section
Artigos de Revisão