Do they work?

First, is there proof of effectiveness?

There is strong anecdotal evidence that probiotics can reduce the severity of infections of the intestine and uro-genital tract, and there have been positive results from laboratory tests.

But effects seen in a test tube don't always translate to what happens in your body. No clinical trials have yet been conducted on human subjects to prove whether or not probiotics enhance any beneficial effects of the intestinal microflora.

Second, what exactly is bacterial balance?

The bacteria selected for probiotic foods are common in humans, and are usually selected on the basis of their ability to survive food processing and digestion.

The role of many other strains which are not included in probiotics is unknown, but could be important in microflora function. Research is continuing to extend knowledge in this area.

What can you conclude about the benefits of probiotics in your diet?

Probiotics are meeting a consumer demand, but the demand has been created more by advertising and publicity than from a real health need.

While probiotics may be beneficial, and might fulfil manufacturers’ claims, lack of scientific evidence has led some scientists to conclude that:

© Source: G. W. Tannock, Introduction to Probiotics: A Critical Review, Chapter extracts from <http://www.horizonpress.com/hsp/abspro.html> (accessed01/01/02).