Abstract
Introduction: Probiotics are living microorganisms that can be administrated in specific amounts to a certain host to achieve health benefits. There are several criteria that should be met by a substance to be considered as a probiotic. Several studies have been conducted lately regarding the use of probiotics and their effects on different body systems and in different health issues.
Aim of work: We aim to provide a review of recent evidence on the use of probiotics and their beneficial effects on health.
Methodology: We conducted a systematic comprehensive search in literature review using Medline, Pubmed, and Embase. We used the term 'probiotics, supplement, multivitamin, health benefits of probiotics' as search item.
Conclusions: Most proven applications of probiotics target the gastrointestinal tract, many probiotics have been successful in targeting health conditions in other organs including the mouth, the teeth, the skin, and the urinary tract. For probiotics to achieve these mentioned benefits, they need special delivery methods to make sure the strains survive their way to the target organ. Probiotics are also essential in treating disturbed balance of the microbes in a specific region, which is called dysbiosis. Some organisms and bacterial strains produce vitamins making them beneficial to the host by helping compensate for vitamins need. Vitamin K, pyridoxine, biotin, vitamin B12, nicotinic acid, folate, and thiamine can all be produced by organisms present in the bowels. Health issues of the gastrointestinal tract that can benefit from probiotics include acute diarrhea, traveler's diarrhea, constipation, H. pylori infection, along with other diseases.