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Probiotic is from the Greek meaning “for life” and is the term used to describe a specific type of live, beneficial bacteria.
The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) formally defined “probiotics” in a joint 2001 report1 as “…live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”.
Probiotics, therefore, are a class of “friendly” bacteria that live in the digestive tract where they help to restore and maintain a healthy balance of “good” versus “bad” bacteria.
1Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Food including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria: Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Evaluation of Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Food Including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria, Amerian Córdoba Park Hotel, Córdoba, Argentina. 1-4 October 2001.