Probiotics - What They Are, Their Benefits and Challenges

Abstract

This chapter reviews literature on probiotics. Probiotics are defined and different microbial cultures used as probiotics will be considered. It further discusses delivery vehicles for probiotic cultures, with their advantages and disadvantages. Since the presence of viable probiotic cultures in products is vital to their functionality, different methods used for their detection in products will be examined. The beneficial health effects of probiotics, the methods that are currently used in an attempt to overcome some of the challenges faced will also be discussed. Different strategies for protection of probiotic cultures and challenges for the probiotic industry are highlighted. In addition to these, alternative strategies increasing numbers of beneficial microorganisms through administration of prebiotics and synbiotics are briefly mentioned.