The possibilities of potentiating the efficacy of probiotics

Abstract

Probiotics could represent an effective alternative to the use of synthetic substances in nutrition and medicine. The data concerning the efficacy of probiotics are often contradictory and it will be important to search for ways to improve their efficacy. In order to enhance the efficacy of probiotics, it is necessary to obtain additional knowledge on their mode of action. The efficacy of probiotics may be potentiated by the several methods: the selection of more efficient strains; gene manipulation; the combination of several strains; and the combination of probiotics and synergistically acting components. This review focuses on the enhancement of the efficacy of probiotics by their combination with synergistically acting components of natural origin. This approach seems to be the best way of potentiating the efficacy of probiotics and is widely used in practise. By the above-mentioned method, more effective probiotic preparations will be developed. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.