Fuller Redefined Probiotics

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 History

The term Probiotics was first time used by two researchers in 1965, and since then it has been redefined and explored further. They described Probiotics as ‘substances secreted by one microorganism that stimulate the growth of another (Lilly and Stillwell,1965).The credit as a discoverer of their role though goes to Eli Metchnikoff, for his original observation of the positive role played by some selected bacteria. He also suggested that “The dependence of the intestinal microbes on the food makes it possible to adopt measures to modify the flora in our bodies and to replace the harmful microbes by useful microbes” (Metchnikoff,1907).In 1989, Fuller redefined Probiotics as “A live microbial feed supplement

Some are as follows-

2.4.1. Lactose Intolerance:

Lactose is spilt into glucose and galactose in the presence of lactase, an enzyme produced by infants, children, however some quits to produce this enzyme in childhood. Lactose intolerance is the impaired ability to digest lactose (milk sugar).Various studies have shown that lactose tolerance can be alleviated by consuming unfermented milk prepared with L. acidophilus (Mustapha et al., 1997). One of the ways this is done is by amplification of lactase enzyme for viability (Salminen, et al.,2004).

2.4.2. Immune system

Human studies have shown that probiotics can have positive effects on the immune system of their (Mombelli and Gismondo, 2000). Evidences from in many studies suggest that Probiotics have shown enhancement of specific as well as nonspecific immune response (Sanders, 1999). Numerous studies have established that L. acidophilus is able to improve immunity of host by production of strong colonies in the intestinal tract, not allowing pathogenic bacteria to create any destruction in the host body (De Simone et al., 1993; Perdigón et al., 1993). L. acidophilus may also boost up immunity by producing secretor cells of intestine (Cunningham et

Hypercholesterolemia A high level of cholesterol in blood is known as Hypercholesterolemia (Lipid Research Clinics Program, 1984).L.acidophilus in a study showed reduction in chances of coronary heart conditions (Manson et al.,1992).An additional mechanism considered is production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) in fermented milk (Cerning and Marshall,1999) as serum cholesterol concentration was lowered after consumption of yogurt enriched with a specific strain of L. acidophilus and FOS (fructooligosaccharides) (Sanders and Klaenhammer 2001).

2.4.5. Inflammation

Probiotics are known to exhibit direct effects locally in the GI tract, by modulation of local bacterial colonies and vitamin production via changes in inflammatory mediators such as cytokines (Vanderhoof, 2000). Some studies have also shown that with the use of Probiotics, considerable betterment in inflammation was caused during rheumatoid arthritis (Marteau et al., 1990).

2.4.6. Allergic symptoms

Probiotics may also exercise a favorable effect on different allergies by improving mucosal barrier function. Some Lactobacillus species may also be helpful in controlling some conditions of food allergies like lactose intolerance (Majamaa and Isolauri,1997). It has also been suggested that Probiotics can strengthen endogenous barrier of the gut and minimize intestinal inflammation, giving a hope of solution for treatment of food allergies.(MacFarlane and Cummings 2002; del Miraglia and De Luca