Products
Probiotics are commercially available in the form of capsules, tablets, lozenges (see under Probiotics Lozenges), drops, and powders, among others (selection). Some are registered as medicines in many countries (e.g., Bioflorin, Lactoferment, Perenterol). Probiotics are also marketed as dietary supplements.
Structure and properties
One well-known definition describes probiotics as living microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host organism if administered in sufficient quantities. By microorganisms is meant mainly bacteria; fungi play a minor role. True probiotics contain living bacteria that can enter the intestine and multiply and colonize there. However, products containing killed microorganisms, their components and ferments are also on the market. Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that are broken down in the large intestine by the intestinal flora and are intended to selectively promote the growth or activity of certain benign bacteria. These include, for example, inulin, oligosaccharides and the amino acid glutamine, which is important for intestinal cells. The fixed combination of probiotics and prebiotics is called synbiotics.
Effects
Probiotics grow and multiply in the intestine and have, among other things, antibacterial properties against pathogens, are antimutagenic, and stimulate the immune system. For them to enter the intestine, they must be resistant to stomach acid and bile acids.
Indications for use
Indications and possible indications for use include, for example:
- Prevention and treatment of diarrhea, for example, in the context of antibiotic therapy and traveler’s diarrhea.
- Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, other diseases of the digestive system such as flatulence.
- Strengthening the immune system
- Vaginal fungus
- Respiratory infections
- Allergic diseases, atopic dermatitis
- Lactose intolerance
- Problems with the teeth, gums and oral mucosa, see under probiotics lozenges.
Dosage
Dosage depends on the individual preparations.
Active ingredients
Bacteria used include:
- Enterococcus SF 68 (Bioflorin),
- Lactobacilli
- Bifidobacteria
- (e.g. . Nissle 1917, Mutaflor)
- Mushrooms: (= Hansen CBS 5926, Perenterol, Mephenterol) and other yeasts.
- Others, e.g. , ,
Contraindications
The drugs are contraindicated in hypersensitivity and immunodeficiency. Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Antibiotics may kill live bacteria and antifungals may kill fungi. Therefore, it is recommended that they be taken at an adequate interval.
Adverse effects
Bacterial strains that do not cause disease and are well tolerated are used. Possible adverse effects include digestive discomfort and hypersensitivity reactions.
