Download Biotechnology is Everywhere!

Probiotics and
Functional Foods
The Biotech of Digestion
What are Probiotics?
• dietary supplements
containing potentially
beneficial bacteria such
as Lactobacillus and
Bifidobacterium or yeasts
• probiotics means “for life”
What are Probiotics?
• ‘Live microorganisms
which when
administered in
adequate amounts
confer a health
benefit on the host
Why do we need probiotics?
• Flora Out of Balance
–
–
–
–
–
antiboitics
drugs
excessive alcohol
disease
toxic substances
Where do probiotics fit
into digestion?
• body contains a miniature ecology of
microbes, collectively known gut flora
• balanced they work together for health
digestion but sometimes out of balance
• Use probiotic bacteria work to decrease
competitor bacteria harmful to our health
How do probiotics work?
• Probiotic bacterial cultures assist gut flora
• Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) most used by
– converting sugars including lactose and
other carbohydrates into lactic acid
– acts as a preservative by lowering pH and
creating fewer opportunities for spoilage
organisms
• characteristic sour taste of fermented dairy
foods such as yogurt
Claims Made for Probiotics
•
•
•
•
•
•
Improving Immune Function
Preventing Infections
Managing Lactose Intolerance
Prevention of Colon Cancer
Cholesterol Lowering
Lowering Blood Pressure
Current Research
Opinions
• test-tube experimentation rather than on
clinical trials in human subjects
• The basic concept of probiotics is based
on a misunderstanding of the role of
microflora in the human digestive tract.
• difficult to understand how bacteria taken
by mouth survive human digestion, though
research shows that they do survive