Colorado Not All Bugs are Bad : Clinical Experiences with Probiotics

13 Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The biologic effects of individual probiotics vary and each should be rigorously evaluated in a controlled fashion to define potential clinical utility. The mechanisms of action vary from probiotic to probiotic. Many probiotics help balance the intestinal microflora. Some can inhibit replication of pathogenic bacteria by binding with the organism, producing inhibitory substances, and competing for essential nutrients or receptor sites. Some probiotics can also beneficially influence systemic innate and acquired immunity by inducing cytokine production and natural killer cell activity as well as generating specific and nonspecific immunoglobulin production.