Probiotics Flashcards
definition of probiotics
live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host
what are abiotics?
Typically consist of probiotic strains that have been inactivated by lysis, heat, or UV irradiation and have demonstrated some effectiveness in downregulating the inflammatory response in intestinal epithelial cells. Ex: sauerkraut
what are prebiotics?
are non-digestible carbohydrates that act as “food” for probiotics. Prebiotics help probiotics grow and remain in your digestive system. Not all non-digestible carbohydrates are prebiotics. All prebiotics must meet specific scientific criteria.
what are symbiotics?
Food ingredients or dietary supplements combining probiotics and prebiotics in a form of synergism
what are the four major categories of microbial populations in the gut?
- autochthonous microbiota
- normal microbiota
- pathogens
- allochthonous microbiota
what are autochthonous microbiota?
populations of microbes that are present in large numbers and permanently colonize the host
what are normal microbiota?
microorganisms that are frequently in the gut, but can vary in number and be sporadically absent
what are pathogens?
microorganisms that are periodically acquired can persist and cause infection or disease
what are allochthonous microbiota?
microbes from another origin that are present temporarily (most probiotics are also allochthonous)
which bacteria are generally found in probiotic formulations?
LAB and Bifidobacteria (normal constituents of the human Gastrointestinal microflora)
…. and … species are generally considered to be beneficial to the health of their human hosts
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium
which other microorganisms can be used in probiotic preparations?
yeast saccharomyces boulardii
E. coli Nissle
what are the six criteria for selection of probiotic strains?
- origin of strain (human origin then LAB biochemical activity considered)
- biosafety - generally recognized as safe (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria have low pathogenic potential)
- tolerance to acid and bile salts - probiotic strains need tolerance to reach the GIT (specifically the colon) expect if they’re sold in. enteric-coated capsules (E. coli Nissle)
- adhesion to intestinal cells - colonize GIT
- production of Antimicrobial substances - LAB produce lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins => inhibitory ro other bacteria
- utilization of prebiotics - relationship between pre and pro. Probiotics should be able to use fruit-oligosaccharides
what are the three major avenues through which probiotic cultures have beneficial activities on the GIT?
- interaction with the immune system
- strengthening the mucosal barrier by encouraging production of protective proteins such as mucins (Dysfunction of the GIT barrier can lead to inflammatory bowel disease)
- exclusion of pathogens - inhibit the attachement of bacterial pathogens to the GIT epithelial cells by physically blocking the receptor sites.
what can probiotics be used for?
- lactose digestion
- weight loss
- resistance to enteric pathogens
- anti-carcinogenic
- antihypertensive
- reduction of ulcers
- reduction of urogenital infections