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Probiotics, immunomodulation, and health benefits
1Department of Primary Industries, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia. Harsharn.Gill@dpi.vic.gov.au
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 11, 2008
Summary
Probiotics, live microorganisms conferring health benefits, can modulate the immune system. While effective for some conditions like diarrhea and atopic disorders, their efficacy against infections and other immune disorders requires further proof.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Probiotics are live microorganisms providing health benefits.
- Probiotic consumption is known to modulate host immune systems.
- Evidence supports probiotics in managing certain gastrointestinal and pediatric atopic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of probiotic immunomodulatory effects.
- To discuss mechanisms of probiotic immune modulation.
- To highlight areas needing further research.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal and human studies.
- Analysis of evidence for probiotic efficacy in various diseases.
- Discussion of proposed mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Specific probiotic strains demonstrate immune stimulation and regulation.
- Probiotics show efficacy in acute gastroenteritis, rotavirus diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Efficacy against bacterial infections, adult asthma, cancers, diabetes, and arthritis is not yet proven.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics offer potential for immune modulation and disease management.
- Further rigorous research is needed to confirm efficacy and elucidate mechanisms.
- Optimal dosing, frequency, and duration require determination for specific conditions.
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