Probiotics role in health
In the late 19th century, microbiologists identified a microflora in the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of healthy individuals that differed from those found in unwell individuals. These beneficial microflora found in the GI tract were termed probiotics.
Probiotics, literally meaning ‘for life’, are micro-organisms proven to exert health-promoting influences in humans. Metchnikoff was perhaps the first researcher to propose that fermented dairy products have beneficial properties. He also developed a theory that lactic acid bacteria could prolong life, and drank sour milk every day to prove it. He died in 1916 at 71 years of age - well above the average life expectancy at the time.
His studies inspired Japanese scientist Shriota to begin investigating the relationship between bacteria and good intestinal health. Convinced that a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria held the key to man's general wellbeing, Shirota dedicated his life and work to isolating a strain of LAB which would pass into the intestines, positively contributing to the balance of gut flora.
In 1935, he succeeded in cultivating a unique bacterium which he used in a fermented milk drink. Today this strain is still used in the world biggest functional food product - the Yakult drink, with a recipe almost unchanged from Shirota's original formula.
Many other researchers have followed in their footsteps and studied the therapeutic aspects of probiotics, especially during the last two decades.
