Journal des probiotiques et de la santé
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Probiotics as a Strategy to Improve Overall Human Health in Developing Countries

Giuliana Noratto

Probiotic strains can be successfully incorporated and manufactured into highly acceptable food products while retaining their viability and functionality. The development of successful probiotic products depends on the selection of probiotic strains for human consumption, proof of a therapeutic effect, strain survival, viability at the time of consumption and storage requirements. Dairy products have proven to be an excellent vehicle for the delivery of probiotics. Developing countries are reeling under the problems of acute and antibiotic associated diarrhea, HIV/ AIDS and poor nutritional status due to improper hygiene, sanitation, unavailability of safe drinking water and lack of awareness. Results of this review suggest a promising role of probiotic products in the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, reduction of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, alleviation of acute diarrheal diseases especially in infants and children, protection against HIV/AIDS, management of lactose intolerance, lowering blood cholesterol levels, improving the nutritional status of the population, allergy prevention and as a vaccine adjuvant in developing countries. Educational campaigns to inform the population and policy makers about the health benefits of probiotics could help alleviate these problems in a safe way without great effort and with minimal increase in the cost of such probiotic products.