Knowledge
What are probiotics? |
2025-06-19 |
Probiotics are a type of active microorganisms that are beneficial to the host. They are a general term for active beneficial microorganisms that colonize the human intestine and reproductive system and can produce definite health effects, thereby improving the host’s microecological balance and playing a beneficial role. There are hundreds of billions of microorganisms in the human body, among which the number of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and harmful bacteria (viruses) maintains the balance of the human microecology.
Types of probiotics 1. Lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, etc.; 2. Bifidobacterium: Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium infantis, etc.; 3. Gram-positive cocci: Lactococcus, Streptococcus intermedius, etc.; 4. Others: Some yeasts and enzymes are also probiotics. Function of probiotics 1. Help digestion and absorption of nutrients. Many probiotic strains can produce digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, which can help the human body better digest the food it eats and absorb the nutrients in the food. Probiotics can also competitively inhibit harmful microorganisms from absorbing nutrients and entering the blood circulation system. 2. Produce important nutrients. Probiotics can produce vitamins. Including pantothenic acid, niacin, vitamin B1, B2, B6 and vitamin K, etc., and can also produce short-chain fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids and other nutrients that are important for bone growth and heart health. 3. Resist bacterial and viral infections, enhance immunity, and eliminate the damage of harmful bacteria to the body |