Enumerating bacteria with probiotics

Question 1

Probiotics definition

Answer 1

live microorganisms present in adequate amounts that are capable of confering a beneficial health effect on the host.

eg. lactobacilli and bifidobacteria

Question 2

Advantages of probiotics

Answer 2

• repopulation of GI tract
• microbes in large intestine complete digestion of many food components
• produce acids that lower pH of intestine creating less favorable conditions for harmful bacteria
• reinforce barrier function of intestinal lining