foods or supplements that contain possibly beneficial microorganisms
Human guts contain vast and varied populations of microorganisms, which are thought to have an important role in our health and well being, though the details of this relationship are not fully understood.
Probiotics are sources of microorganisms that are thought to be beneficial to health. Fermented foods and drinks that are consumed raw, such as yogurt, kim chi or sauerkraut, keffir, kombucha etc, are considered probiotics.
Probiotics are also available as food supplements, often in capsule form.
There is some evidence for benefits of probiotics in the treatment of certain, mostly gastrointestinal, health problems. They have been found to have a modest benefit in reducing negative effects of antibiotic use, and so may be prescribed along with a course of antibiotics (one must take care to separate the doses). They may possibly also have beneficial effects on resistance to some infections.
While probiotics are generally considered safe, there are some contraindications, probably including pregnancy.
