Probiotic Potential

Kingsley C. Anukam, University of Benin, Nigeria

Abstract

TODAY ON MICROBEWORLD – LET’S HEAR IT FOR PROBIOTICS. PROBIOTICS ARE MAKING HEADLINES AS STUDIES REVEAL THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN TREATING GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AND THE SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY. PROBIOTICS ARE BENEFICIAL BACTERIA, LIKE THOSE FOUND IN YOGURT THAT AID THE GROWTH OF HEALTHY INTESTINAL FLORA. BUT BEFORE THEY CAN COLONIZE THE GI TRACT, PROBIOTICS HAVE TO SURVIVE THE HARSH ENVIRONMENT OF THE STOMACH. SO THE SEARCH IS ON FOR PROBIOTICS THAT HAVE UNIQUE SURVIVAL SKILLS.