Table 1.

Potential health benefits from probiotics

• Modulation/stimulation of the immune system • Improvement of mucosal immune function, mucin secretion & prevention of disease • Improvement of lactose digestion & symptoms of intolerance in lactose intolerance • Lowered serum cholesterol levels • Shortened the duration of acute gastroenteritis, acute diarrhea & antibiotic-associated diarrhea • Reduced pain & constipation of irritable bowel syndrome • Reduced bloating & flatulence in irritable bowel syndrome • Control of cancer (e.g., reduced risk factors for colon cancer) • Alleviation of food allergy symptoms in infants