Significance of Probiotics in Dairy Products

Probiotics are defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the World Health Organization as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”. As per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the concentration of live probiotic bacteria required in foods to achieve the intended health benefits is approximately 108 CFU/g at the time of consumption. Probiotic microorganisms, including bacteria and yeasts, are attracting interest due to their promising physiological effects and the value they add to probiotic-containing food products. These bacteria have a long history of safe use in food. In recent years, there is an upsurge in interest in these bacterial species as research is beginning to unravel the many possible health benefits associated with them.

- Divya Panneerselvam, Seethu. B.G, F. Magdaline Eljeeva Emerald, Chand Ram Grover and Heart win A. Pushpadass*

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed. Although people often think of bacteria and other microorganisms as harmful “germs,” many are indeed helpful. Some bacteria help digest food, destroy pathogenic microorganisms or produce vitamins. One of the most significant groups of probiotic microorganisms are the lactic acid bacteria, commonly used in fermentation of dairy products. Many of the microorganisms in probiotic products are the same as or similar to the microorganisms that naturally live in our body. Probiotics may contain a variety of microflora. The most common are bacteria that belong to the genera of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Besides, there are other bacteria and yeasts such as Saccharomyces boulardii. Under Schedule VII, the FSSAI has approved the use of 28 strains of probiotic microorganisms in foods. These organisms may be used either singly or in combination. Different types of probiotics may have different effects. For example, if a specific kind of Lactobacillus helps prevent an illness, it does not necessarily mean that another species of Lactobacillus or any Bifidobacterium species would do the same thing. It is important to remember that realization of the intended benefits of probiotics would require the consumption of a minimum number of bacteria. It is recommended that a person consume at least 1×109 viable probiotic cells per day. Not all fermented products may contain enough active microorganisms. The fresher the product, the more will be the active microorganisms in it.

How Probiotics Work?