This document discusses probiotics, which are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed. It defines probiotics, explores their history and modes of action. Key points covered include who benefits from probiotics, examples of probiotic foods in India, and advantages like balancing gut bacteria and boosting immunity. Potential disadvantages like gas and increased infection risk are also noted. The document concludes with references on the topic of probiotics and their uses.

1. KUVEMPU
UNIVERSITY
Sahyadri Science College, Shivamogga
Department of Biotechnology
Seminar Topic : Probiotics
Guide: Submitted By:
Dr. Pradeep K Praveen.S
Assistant Professor, I MSc, I Semester
Dept of Biotechnology Sahyadri Science
college
Sahyadri Science college Shivamogga
Shivamogga

2. CONTENTS
 Inroduction
 History of probiotics
 What are probiotics?
 Who needs probiotics?
 How probiotics work?
 Mode of action of probiotics
 Characteristics of probiotics
 Probiotics in Indian foods
 Advantages of probiotics
 Disadvantages of probiotics
 Conclusion
 Reference

3. INTRODUCTION
 The world health organisation defines probiotics as
live microorganism, which administered in
adequate amounts confer a health benefit on a
host
 The term probiotics is derived from the Latin word
“pro” which means “for” and the Greek letter “bios”
means “life” thus probiotics are life-promoting.
 The most common types of these beneficial
bacteria are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria

4. HISTORY OF PROBIOTICS
 In 1907, Russian Noble prize winner, ELIE
METCHINKOFF first introduced concept probiotics
 In 1930s in Japan, MINORU SHIROTA developed
YAKULT (Yakuruto)
 Probiotic term coined by LILLY & STILLWELL in
1965

5. WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS ?
 Probiotics – Microorganisms that have a beneficial
effect on the host intestinal microbial balance
 Probiotics organisms are live microorganisms
which provides health benefits when consumed.
 They are usually consumed as supplements or
yoghurts and are also reffered to as “good
bacteria”.
 According to the currently adopted definition by
WHO, probiotics are “Live microorganisms which
when administered in adequate amounts confer a
health benefit on the host”

6. WHO NEEDS PROBIOTICS ?
 People with weak immune systems, frequent
respiratory infections and congestion.
 People who suffer from yeast infections of any
kind, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, vaginal
yeast infections and nail fungus
 People with food or respiratory allergies.
 People suffering from inflammatory bowel
disorders, constipation or intestinal infections.
 People suffering from diarrhea, especially in
childrens.

7. HOW PROBIOTICS WORK ?

8. MODE OF ACTION OF PROBIOTICS

9. MODE OF ACTION OF PROBIOTICS
 Enhancement of the Epithelial Barrier
 Increased Adhesion to Intestinal Mucosa
 Inhibition of pathogen adhesion
 Competitive exclusion of pathogenic
microorganisms
 Production of anti-microorganism substances
 Modulation of the immune system

10. CHARACTERISTICS OF PROBIOTICS
Probiotic microorganisms are:
 Able to survive the passage through the digestive
system
 Able to attach to the intestinal epithelia and
colonize
 Able to maintain good viability
 Able to utilize the nutrients and substrates in a
normal diet
 Non-pathogenic and non-toxic
 Capable of exerting a beneficial effect on the host
 It must be resistance to hydrochloric acid, bile and
pancreatic juice

11. Contd…
 It should have anti-carcinogenic activity
 It should produce lactic acid
 It should retain viability during storage and use
 It should stimulate the immune system of the body
 It should have the ability to colonize the
gastrointestinal tract

12. PROBIOTICS IN INDIAN FOODS
In Indian society, it became
common place (and still is)
to enjoy a before-dinner
yogurt drink called a lassi.
These Indian traditions
were based on the principle
of using milk as probiotic
delivery system to the body

13. ADVANTAGES
 Probiotics helps in balancing friendly bacteria in
digestive system
 Probiotics can help prevent and treat diarrhea
 Probiotics supplements improve some mental
health conditions
 Probiotics may reduce the severity of certain
allergies
 Probiotics helps in boosting immune system
 Probiotics helps treatment or prevention of vaginal
infections

14. DISADVANTAGES
 Taking them in larger amounts might produce
digestive issues, such as gas and bloating
 Amines in probiotic foods may trigger headaches
 Some strains can increase Histamine levels
 They can increase infection risk
 Discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract
 Excess amount of probiotics may cause allergies

15. CONCLUSION

16. REFERENCES
 Fuller R (May 1989), “Probiotics in man and
animals” The journal of Applied Bacteriology
66(5):365-78
 Alvarez-olmos MI, Oberhelman RA; Oberhelman
(2001). “Probiotics agents and infectious diseases:
a modern perspective on a traditional therapy”.
Clin.infect.Dis 32(11):1567-76
 Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 20
(1367-1377): 1367-1377
 http://www.usprobiotics.org
 http://www.isapp.net