Therapeutic, Prophylactic, and Functional Use of Probiotics: A Current Perspective
September 2020
in “
Frontiers in Microbiology
”
Studysummary This review discusses the potential health benefits of probiotics as a "Bio-Therapy" in food and medicine, noting that more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms and effectiveness.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document reviewed the therapeutic, prophylactic, and functional uses of probiotics, highlighting their potential benefits across various health conditions. Probiotics showed promise in managing gastrointestinal disorders, enhancing immune responses, and preventing infections. They were effective in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Helicobacter pylori infections, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and androgenetic alopecia by promoting hair growth. Probiotics also demonstrated benefits in reducing cholesterol levels, improving insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes, and managing neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. However, the review emphasized the need for more rigorous clinical trials to fully understand the efficacy and safety profiles of probiotics.
