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Probiotics - the versatile functional food ingredients
Gareth Gordon Syngai1, Ragupathi Gopi2, Rupjyoti Bharali3
1Department of Biochemistry, Lady Keane College, Shillong, 793001 India.
Journal of Food Science and Technology
|May 11, 2016
Summary
Probiotics, live beneficial microbes, offer health benefits in humans and animals. This review details their sources, mechanisms, criteria for use, and antioxidant potential in functional foods and animal feed.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nutrition Science
- Animal Science
Background:
- Probiotics are live microorganisms conferring health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.
- Their application spans human nutrition, animal husbandry (ruminants, pigs, poultry), and aquaculture.
- Understanding probiotic criteria and mechanisms is crucial for effective utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review commonly used probiotic microorganisms in human and animal welfare.
- To outline essential criteria for probiotic use in humans and as animal feed additives.
- To discuss probiotic sources, mechanisms of action, and potential antioxidant roles.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on probiotics.
- Analysis of criteria for human and animal probiotic applications.
- Synthesis of information on probiotic sources, mechanisms, and antioxidant properties.
Main Results:
- Identified key probiotic microorganisms for human and animal applications.
- Detailed essential criteria for safe and effective probiotic implementation.
- Elaborated on diverse sources, action mechanisms, and emerging antioxidant functions of probiotics.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics are versatile functional food ingredients with broad applications.
- Strict criteria ensure the safety and efficacy of probiotics in humans and animals.
- Probiotics hold significant potential, including antioxidant capabilities, for future health and nutritional strategies.
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