Among nutraceutical
suppliers, much attention is given to scientifically identifying,
validating and consistently delivering the health benefits
of botanical extracts and other bioactive compounds. These
principals also are being applied to probiotics, defined by
Guarner & Schaafsma1 as "living microorganisms,
which upon ingestion in certain numbers, exert health benefits
beyond inherent basic nutrition." Advances in genome research
will lead to a future in which probiotics will consistently
deliver desired health benefits.
In 1907, Nobel
Laureate Eli Metchnikoff put forth the theory that intestinal
colons contain putrefactive bacteria and that by consuming
fermented milk, lives would be longer and more disease-free.