What Are Probiotics, Really?
The term “probiotic” is misused so often that a group of experts has taken a fresh look at what probiotics really are, and examined what scientists have learned about them in recent years.
Probiotics are generally thought of as the “good” bacteria in the body. Experts define probiotics as live microorganisms which confer health benefits when present in adequate amounts. Much of the current research on probiotics is focused on examining which bacterial species may have health benefits, and what those benefits may be.
But there’s still enough confusion surrounding the concept of probiotics and what they can offer that some governments do not even allow the term to appear on product labels, to protect consumers from unfounded health claims.