Influence of natural dairy probiotics on health

Abstract

Introduction. Probiotics are live microorganisms which, administered in appropriate amounts, have a beneficial effect on human health. Food products that contain these microorganisms are known as natural probiotics. Probiotic food include the group of dairy products in which fermented milk products are majority. Objective. The aim of the study is to review current data and summarize knowledge on the effects of consumption of dairy probiotics on human health. The review also aims at discussing the potential of these health-supporting microorganisms as a prevention factor against civilization diseases. State of knowledge. Consumption of probiotic food, especially natural dairy probiotic food, may have a positive effect on health due to the presence of probiotic bacteria or by the presence of their metabolites (postbiotics) demonstrating bioactive effects. The intake of these products is associated with the improvement of parameters such as lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular risk parameters, or presents protective effect on bones. Studies show a correlation between the consumption of natural probiotics and reduction in duration of diarrhea or alleviation of the course of inflammatory bowel diseases. Conclusion. The influence of natural dairy probiotics consumption on the state of health has recently been broadly investigated. Regular consumption of these products has shown beneficial effect on gut microbiota and on a wide range of health parameters. However, further studies are necessary to draw a precise conclusion.