Probiotic supplements are dietary supplements that contain beneficial or “good” bacteria or yeast, with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as the most common microbes used. LAB are able to convert sugars (including lactose) and other carbohydrates into lactic acid and as a result is commonly used in the food industry today.  Soured milks and cultured dairy products, such as kefir, koumiss, leben and dahi, were often used therapeutically before the existence of microorganisms was recognized. Many fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, derive its characteristic sour taste from LAB.  The widespread use of microorganisms in food fermentation is one of the oldest methods for producing and preserving food. Much of the world depends upon various fermented foods as an essential part of a healthy diet.  To this end, LAB also acts as a preservative, by lowering the pH and creating fewer opportunities for spoilage organisms to grow.  Theoretically, Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms, including Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium species and yeasts, these microorganisms may beneficially affect the host upon ingestion by improving the balance of the intestinal microflora.   The conceptual use of Probiotic bacterial cultures has been proven as an effective method in assisting the body's naturally occurring gut flora to reestablish itself. They are sometimes recommended by doctors and, more frequently, by nutritionists, after a course of antibiotics, or as part of the treatment for gut related candidiasis. Claims are made that probiotics strengthen the immune system.

The body contains miniature microbes that are collectively known as the gut flora. The natural bacteria in the body can be thrown out of balance by a variety of circumstances including the use of antibiotics or other drugs, excess alcohol, stress, disease, exposure to toxic substances, or even the use of antibacterial soap. In such cases, the bacteria that work in synergy with our bodies may decrease in number, allowing other harmful bacteria to thrive, to the detriment of our health.  Consistent maintenance of a healthy gut flora is dependent on many factors including the quality of food intake. Inclusion of a significant proportion of prebiotic foods in the diet has been demonstrated to support a healthy probiotic flora and may be a more effective and sustainable means of achieving the desirable health benefits promised by probiotics.

PROBIOTIC TRADE NAMES
Multiflora-ABF (UAS Laboratories), Probiata (Wakunaga Consumer), Bifido Factor (Natren), DDS-Acidophilus (UAS Laboratories), DDS-Junior (UAS Laboratories), DDS-Plus (UAS Laboratories), Digesta Lac (Natren), Healthy Trinity (Natren), Life Start (Natren), Mega Dophilus (Natren), Probioplus-DDS (UAS Laboratories).