Obstacles and Challenges in the Use of Probiotics



Sadeghi S¹ ; Jaberi Ansari F² ; Jalili H¹
Source: Journal of Babol University of Medical Sciences Published:2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Probiotics are living microorganisms whose adequate intake has shown healthful effects in the host body and have been suggested to have beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the obstacles and challenges of probiotic products in the production process and their effects on human health. METHODS: For data collection in this Narrative review article, articles containing one of the words “probiotic”, “lactobacillus”, “bifidobacterium”, “biogenic amine” and “antibiotic resistance” from 1990 to 2017 were searched and studied in Thomson Reuters, Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct and Islamic World Science Citation Center (ISC) databases. RESULTS: Research has shown that systematic infections and chronic diseases, over-stimulation of the immune system, transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, production of biogenic amines and D-lactic acid, lack of survival and sustainability of microorganisms and ultimately the change in the taste and flavor of probiotic products are the obstacles and challenges facing the production of probiotics. The use of bifidobacterium in terms of transfer antibiotic resistance genes is safer for the production of probiotic products rather than other microorganisms. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, probiotics are only safe in healthy people, although they are very useful for human health, but their use in children, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system causes infection. © 2018, Babol University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.