COOPERATIVE KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY FACT SHEET

Information about the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program 2020

Probiotics and Probiotic Supplements: Things to Know Before Use

Shreya Patel, Research Associate, Human Nutrition and Food Safety Nilima Mishra, Extension Associate for Dietetics and Human Nutrition Dr. Avinash Topè, Associate Professor, Human Nutrition and Food Safety, Interim Chair, School of Family and Consumer Sciences

Probiotics play an important role in maintaining a balance of good and bad bacteria and are crucial to our survival against pathogenic bacteria. They play a vital role in the production of important nutrients and vitamins, as well as in maintaining growth and integrity of intestinal cells. Imbalance in the gut flora or ‘dysbiosis’ may result in gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. It is also suggested as a driving force in the onset of obesity. Dysbiosis may arise due to:

The word ‘bacteria’ often connotes a substance that causes illness or infections. However, our intestines harbor trillions of ‘good’ or ‘friendly’ bacteria commonly referred to as probiotics. These bacteria grow and flourish in the alimentary track, form an ecosystem which promotes immunity, and aid in the process of digestion. They are naturally present in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, added to some beverages such as herbal tea, and are widely available as dietary supplements. There are approximately 500 different kinds of these bacteria that constitute approximately 3 lbs. of our body weight. After birth, the microbiota naturally Populates the alimentary track through food and environmental exposure. The composition of the ‘gut’ microbiota depends on genes, age, diet, socioeconomic factors, and the use of antibiotics. Probiotics play an important role in maintaining a balance of good and bad bacteria and are crucial to our survival against pathogenic bacteria. They play a vital role in the production of important nutrients and vitamins, as well as in maintaining growth and integrity of intestinal cells. Imbalance in the gut flora or ‘dysbiosis’ may result in gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. It is also suggested as a driving force in the onset of obesity. Dysbiosis may arise due to:

• dietary changes that include higher intake of protein, sugar, or food additives
• accidental chemical consumption such as lingering pesticides on unwashed fruit
• drinking two or more alcoholic beverages per day
• new medications, such as antibiotics, that affect your intestinal flora
• poor dental hygiene which allows bacteria to grow out of balance in the mouth
• high levels of stress or anxiety which can weaken the immune system
• unprotected sex which can expose the body to harmful bacteria.

‘Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.’