Current and Future Applications of Probiotics

Dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract are thought to be related to disturbances or aberrancies of the intestinal microbiota. Nowadays probiotics may represent a solution of choice to balance gut microbiota although they have not been selected for specific subpopulations or disease groups. Since probiotic health benefits are strain specific, it is likely that strains can be selected, aimed at particular groups of patients. Probiotic bacteria have been usually used to treat and prevent some gastrointestinal disturbances such as irritable bowel diseases (IBD) or syndrome (IBS), or diarrhoea and new evidences support the use of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases including atopic diseases, immune disorders, obesity, and diabetes., although new extra-intestinal applications are getting interest of the industry and consumers. This review comprises the current and potential applications of probiotics to improve human health.