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Current issues on probiotics in human health

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Nutrafoods

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota is complex and features several bacterial species pertaining to a wide variety of strains. Anatomically, the microbiota is in close contact with the intestinal mucosa and epithelial interface. Therefore, the microbiota has been hypothesized to play important roles in human health, ranging from modulation of the immune response to direct influence on intestinal function. From a nutraceutical viewpoint, the notion of modifying the microbiota with appropriate formulations, namely probiotics, is being tested in several clinical and real-life settings.

While the public understanding of probiotics and of their healthful roles is quite established, the vast majority of health claims have not been approved by the EFSA. This article critically analyzes the current hurdles in probiotic research and discusses both limitations and evidence in support of the use of probiotics in prevention and therapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Functional Foods, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA) - Food, C/Faraday 7, 28049, Madrid, Spain

    Francesco Visioli

  2. Nutrition Foundation of Italy, Milan, Italy

    Andrea Poli

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  1. Francesco Visioli
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  2. Andrea Poli
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Visioli, F., Poli, A. Current issues on probiotics in human health. Nutrafoods 10, 9–15 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03223354

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