Pediatria pre prax 6/2009

Principles of benefit and safety evaluation of probiotics and characterization of registered food supplements containing probiotics and prebiotics

The paper deals with probiotic microorganisms in foods including food supplements which are in increasing focus of scientists, consumers and food producers during last years. This interest arises from knowledge that intentional use of microorganisms with certain characteristics may provide beneficial effects on human health. Effects of probiotics, especially their potential of immunomodulation, have been shown in many studies, though not always confirmed explicitly. Therefore, new rules for evaluation of the effects of probiotics as well as for justification of health claims are being settled. At the same time the assessment of safety of relevant microorganisms vhich would consider all necessary criteria is needed and developed.

Keywords: probiotics, assessment, effects, safety, food supplements.