In May 2002, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended the adoption of the definition of probiotics as ‘Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host’.

Probiotics, 0r "beneficial bacteria", are micro-organisms that offer health benefits to people who ingest them. Lactic acid bacteria, including the very popular L.acidophilus, are the most common forms of probiotic for medicinal use. Probiotic bacteria provide many health benefits, particularly in some chronic diseases.

How do probiotics work?

Parts of the digestive tract are naturally filled with bacteria and yeast that work in symbiosis with the human body. These helpful bacteria enable healthier digestion and help fight infectious disease. Probiotics are similar in their effect and behavior to these helpful bacteria, and play an important role in helping the body to gain or maintain a healthy internal ecosystem.

The beneficial gut flora can be compromised by antibiotics, causing harmful bacteria and yeast to colonise in large numbers. Stress and the contraceptive pill can also devastate the balance. This state of gut flora imbalance (gut dysbiosis) can lead to health problems, sometimes serious ones. Probiotics can help prevent these problems by maintaining a healthy balance of the gut flora.

A healthy balance of intestinal flora can help the body to maintain a strong immune system. Probiotics are commonly used to boost the body's resistance to fungal infection. Additionally, supplementation with probiotics appears to be a safe, effective treatment for children with eczema.