Probiotics

Ever wondered where probiotics come from and how they’ve evolved into the health-boosting powerhouses we know today? Dive into their rich history and see how they’ve transformed from ancient, fermented foods to today’s scientifically proven microbes.

The term “probiotic” comes from Latin “pro,” which means “for” and the Greek “bios”. Together, “probiotic” translates to “for life,” reflecting the concept that these microorganisms are beneficial to the host’s health and well-being. Indeed, probiotics are defined as: “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” This widely accepted scientific definition of probiotics was proposed by an FAO/WHO working group and amended to its final form by the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) (Hill et al. 2014). Probiotic microorganisms are primarily bacteria and sometimes yeast species. Many foods and supplements contain live microorganisms, but only specific strains with proven health benefits should be called probiotics. Of note, it is important to highlight that traditional fermented foods like kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchi are not qualified as probiotics, although they may contain live-microbes. However, these microbes don’t qualify as probiotics because they are not properly identified, and their health effects are not substantiated (Marco et al., 2021). Most commercial probiotics consist of specific microbial strains primarily the bifidobacteria and lactobacilli genera, and yeasts. Less commonly, strains from Bacillus, Propionibacterium, Enterococcus, Pediococcus, Streptococcus, and Escherichia ssp. are used. Notably, in 2020, the genus Lactobacillus, was divided into 25 genera (Zheng et al., 2020), meaning that some commonly known lactobacilli species now have different names (http://lactobacillus.ualberta.ca/), but the microbes themselves haven’t changed. Active research is ongoing to identify novel probiotic candidates isolated from various body sites in healthy human subjects.

From ancient times, fermented foods have been a source of live microbes, believed to offer health benefits, though their microbial basis was unknown until Louis Pasteur discovered the microbial basis for food fermentation. Key milestones followed, including the isolation of Lactobacillus acidophilus by Ernst Moro in 1890, and Bifidobacterium by Henry Tissier in 1899. In 1905, Stamen Grigorov discovered Lactobacillus bulgaricus (now known as Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus), the key microbe in traditional Bulgarian yogurt. Inspired by the longevity of Bulgarian villagers who consumed this yogurt, Elie Metchnikoff proposed in 1907 that live microbes in fermented milk could counter harmful gut bacteria and promote health. Note that fermented foods are not by definition probiotic. Rather their concept has laid the foundation for modern probiotic research. Later contributions refined the concept, and in 1974, Roy Fuller introduced a definition emphasizing viability and host benefits. This evolved into today’s widely accepted definition as mentioned above.

Probiotics are administered in various ways, including oral intake, vaginal application, and topical use, making them versatile tools for supporting health. They are classified into multiple regulatory categories, such as food products, dietary supplements, infant formulas, pharmaceutical drugs (also called live biotherapeutic agents), and even medical devices. These products are designed to benefit a variety of hosts, both humans and animals, by leveraging distinct mechanisms of action. In the animal sector, probiotics are essential for maintaining the well-being of pets.

Not all probiotics are the same! Curious how different strains can help with specific health concerns? Uncover how certain probiotic strains can make a real difference in your health and well-being.

Probiotic products are available in various formulations, including monospecies probiotics, which contain a single strain e.g. Lactocaseibacillus rhamnosus ABC123, and multispecies probiotics, which combine multiple strains or species. Regardless of formulation, probiotics must demonstrate scientifically validated effects. While probiotic species have generally recognized beneficial effects, as acknowledged by several authorities, some benefits are strain-specific, meaning that not all strains within the same species confer the same specific health benefit. For instance, L. rhamnosus ABC123 may be effective in alleviating diarrhea, while L. rhamnosus XYZ456 may not exhibit this benefit. Furthermore, probiotics must be consumed in adequate quantities, typically expressed in Colony-Forming Units (CFUs), to achieve efficacy. Dosages commonly range from 1 billion to over 100 billion CFUs, however, a higher CFU count does not necessarily correlate with greater efficacy; the strains also matter. The effective dose should at least be the dose that is documented to confer the desired health or physiological benefit.

Are probiotics regulated the same worldwide? Learn how global regulations are shaping the industry and what new trends are emerging in the world of probiotics. It’s important stuff for both consumers and producers.

Regulatory frameworks for probiotics vary by region and product category, with distinct requirements for safety assessments, manufacturing practices, and permissible health claims. These regulations are crucial for ensuring product efficacy and consumer trust while adapting to Probiotic strains may be Generally Recognized As Safe (FDA GRAS status in USA) or have Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status in the EU, but regulatory frameworks vary by region. Clinical studies are necessary to substantiate specific health claims.

New in the probiotic space are so-called Next Generation Probiotics which can be defined as: Live microorganisms identified on the basis of comparative microbiota analyses that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” (Martin & Langella 2019). These organisms may be very different from the ‘usual’ genera described above.

Similar, there may be Live Biotherapeutic Products coming, which are basically probiotic drugs and regulated as such by regulatory bodies.

Regulatory frameworks for probiotics vary by region, ensuring that products meet safety and efficacy standards. Curious about how probiotics are regulated globally? Check out the current regulatory landscape.

Wondering why IPA is at the forefront of the probiotic movement? Find out why we are passionate about ensuring the safe, effective use of probiotics and how we continue to lead the charge in shaping industry standards.

IPA has been founded as the global voice of probiotics and therefore promotes the safe and efficacious use of probiotics. As the leading organization in the field, IPA ensures that probiotic products meet scientific and regulatory standards. We continue to promote research, policy development, and global awareness to make probiotics accessible to all and to ensure that consumers trust the products they use.

Find out why IPA takes on this important mission.

From traditional foods to cutting-edge science, probiotics have come a long way. Explore how they’ve evolved over the past century and what exciting breakthroughs lie ahead.

Over the past 100+ years, probiotics have come a long way from fermented foods with potential health benefits to defined high quality microbes with clinically documented health benefits. In the 21st century, probiotic research and microbiota research have accelerated and are expanding into new health areas which will bring new benefits.

From dietary supplements to skincare and even pet health, probiotics are everywhere! Learn about the various ways probiotics are used to improve human and animal health. Uncover the different probiotic applications.

From fermented foods to scientifically validated health solutions, probiotics have come a long way. Ready to learn how they’ve evolved and what the future holds? Read more about the history and evolution of probiotics.