By Dr. S.K. Dash The use of probiotics in dietary supplements,
food and beverages has increased from $10 million to $31 billion
as consumer awareness has grown from 5% to 81%. The need for
selecting the right probiotics is more important now than ever.
Selection of the proper probiotic strains is the key to
functionality and safety. Probiotic effects are strain specific,
dose specific and condition specific. Considerations for strain
selection include safety (must be GRAS), ability to survive
intestinal transit, manufacturing and distribution, and the
final application. Identity of strains must be confirmed for
every batch using genetic typing techniques. Sources for
probiotics include humans (intestine and breast milk), animal
and food. Human isolates are more likely to be safe, compatible
with the human digestive system and more able to colonize.
Microorganisms with probiotic potential can be screened using a
range of in vitro tests and confirmed using animal testing
and/or human clinical studies. Typical i