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Probiotic
Live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host (ISAPP/FAO definition).
MNHD adopts the ISAPP 2014 consensus definition. Probiotic effects are strain-specific (e.g., Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis vs longum on human milk oligosaccharide metabolism); category-level claims ("probiotics improve immunity") are not scientifically supported. Probiotics must be safe, characterized to the strain level, and shown to have a benefit in well-designed studies. Dead microbes are not probiotics (they may qualify as postbiotics).
How each textbook covers it
duyff-complete-food-and-nutrition-guide-5e
Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 1
WHO/FAO definition. Common strains include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Strain-specific evidence supports use in antibiotic-associated diarrhea, C. difficile prevention, IBS, ulcerative colitis pouchitis, and acute pediatric gastroenteritis. Dose and strain matter; generic 'probiotic' claims are weakly supported.
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 37: Biotics and Fermented Foods
MNHD adopts the ISAPP 2014 consensus definition. Probiotic effects are strain-specific (e.g., Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis vs longum on human milk oligosaccharide metabolism); category-level claims ("probiotics improve immunity") are not scientifically supported. Probiotics must be safe, characterized to the strain level, and shown to have a benefit in well-designed studies. Dead microbes are not probiotics (they may qualify as postbiotics).
Related terms
ISAPP, Microbiome, Microbiota, Postbiotic, Prebiotic, Synbiotic