Lactic Acid Bacteria and Gut Health

Abstract

Over a century ago, the Nobel Laureate Elie Metchnikoff hypothesized that introducing lactic acid bacterium into the intestines might improve human health. The gut microbial dysbiosis has been implicated in several important gastrointestinal diseases. Epidemiological, clinical, and animal studies further provide evidence supporting the human health benefits of probiotics. This chapter provides an update on probiotic effects on gastrointestinal disorders and highlights possible challenges and opportunities to probiotic beyond tomorrow.