“Probiotic” is a word of Latin origin and means “For Life.” Probiotics are not a new discovery; humanity's acquaintance with them is as old as human history. Long before the existence of microorganisms was discovered, fermented foods such as beer, bread, syrup, kefir, and cheese were used for nutritional and therapeutic purposes. Yogurt has been a traditional food of Turks since Central Asia.

Friendly bacteria that produce lactic acid were first discovered by Pasteur in 1857. It was determined that there are Bifidobacterium species in the intestinal flora of breastfed babies, and it was shown in the 1900s that the intestinal flora disrupted in diseases such as diarrhea could be corrected with foods and drinks containing Bifidobacterium.

The father of the idea that products with probiotics are beneficial to human health is Elie Metchnikoff. He showed as evidence that long-lived people in the mountain villages of the Caucasus consumed kefir. The popularization of yogurt in Europe and then in America began in the 1900s.

The use of probiotics as medicine came to the agenda in the 1950s and progressed rapidly. It is predicted that probiotics will take the same place for the 21st century as antibiotics were for the 20th century.

Intestinal Flora:

A baby, who is in a sterile environment in the mother's womb, encounters microorganisms at birth. There are more than 500 types of bacteria in the intestines. There are some factors affecting the intestinal flora, such as the mode of delivery, the baby's feeding method, the immune system, and antibiotic use. In babies born by cesarean section, colonization occurs later than in babies born vaginally. While Bifidobacteria dominate in breastfed babies, enterobacter is prominent in formula-fed babies; at 1 year old, it acquires adult flora characteristics and becomes similar. There are about 1-1.5 kg of bacteria in an adult human. The duties of these beneficial bacteria are to protect the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, to make some vitamins, and to help the immune system.

Prebiotics:

These are nutrients that facilitate the reproduction of beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Prebiotics are carbohydrate-structured and are not digested in the intestine. Not all dietary fibers are prebiotics.

It is found in breast milk as Galactooligosaccharide (GOS), and in many fibrous fruits and vegetables as Fructooligosaccharide (FOS). Wheat, onions, garlic, leeks, artichokes, bananas, and asparagus are rich in prebiotics. Water-insoluble fibers absorb water in the last part of the intestines, ensuring the softening of the stool and shortening the transit time through the intestines; a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, cereals, and legumes is recommended to prevent constipation.

Beneficial Effects of Prebiotics:

  • Ensures the reproduction of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora.
  • Regulates intestinal movements.
  • Accelerates the absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
  • Suppresses infectious diarrhea and diarrhea occurring after antibiotic use.
  • Reduces the risk of heart disease due to hyperlipidemia.
  • Reduces the risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
  • Sorts out carcinogenic substances in the intestine.
  • Reduces tooth decay.
  • Strengthens the immune system.
  • Reduces allergic reactions and atopic dermatitis (eczema).

What is a Synbiotic?

Products that contain prebiotic and probiotic fibers together are called synbiotics.

Application Areas of Probiotics:

They are primarily used in digestive system diseases. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and a yeast called Saccharomyces have been used in treatment.

  • Diarrhea: Probiotics have been shown to be effective in diarrhea caused by various infectious agents, especially viruses. Probiotics complete antibiotic treatment by correcting the intestinal flora.
  • Lactose Intolerance
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Enterocolitis seen in premature babies
  • Constipation
  • Colic (gas pain) in babies
  • Non-digestive system diseases:
  • Regulation of the immune system
  • Allergy
  • Vaginal and urinary system infections

Frequently Asked Questions About Probiotics:

  • Should probiotics be taken with food or alone?

Taking them with food creates a synergistic effect. The buffering of stomach acid by food increases the effectiveness of probiotic bacteria.

  • How often should they be taken?

Since probiotic bacteria do not adhere to the intestinal wall permanently, they need to be taken every day.

  • What are the nutritional sources of probiotics?
  • Yogurt and milk with added probiotics, fermented milk products like kefir...
  • What is the shelf life of probiotics?

Usually 3-6 weeks for probiotic products stored in the refrigerator, and 12 months for dry products. Still, products with a recent production date should be preferred.

  • Are probiotics safe?

Many studies have been conducted and continue to be conducted on this subject. Their use in premature babies has been reported to be safe. It seems that probiotics will be used in many more areas of medicine in the future.

Usage areas of prebiotics:

Prebiotics are added to baby formulas similar to breast milk. The aim is both to strengthen immunity and to facilitate digestion. There are studies showing that respiratory tract infections and diarrhea are seen less in babies taking formula with added prebiotics, similar to those receiving breast milk, and they require less antibiotic use. Likewise, it has been reported that allergic events such as atopic dermatitis are seen less in those taking prebiotic formula. There are also formulas with added probiotics.

 

Spec. Dr. Hale Yener / Pediatrics Specialist / IRENBE