Praktické lekárnictvo 2/2017

The role of probiotics in maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal and immune system

Microflora of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a significant factor that affects not only processes of healthy digestion, but through various immunomodulatory mechanisms it has also influence on the immunity of the organs that are outside of the GI tract, and on the whole body itself. Disturbed microbiome of the digestive organs often accompanies disorders and diseases of the GI tract. Changes of the GI tract microbiome have been observed not only in the intestinal diseases with diarrhea, but also in medical conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Several mechanisms by which probiotic microorganisms positively affect gastrointestinal health, have been already well-known and thoroughly examined. Although studies on the clinical use of probiotic strains are still ongoing, the results of existing studies already justify the use of quality probiotic products to promote the prevention and treatment of several diseases and disorders of the digestive tract and they can be also useful in maintaining correct immune functions of the extra intestinal organs.

Keywords: probiotics, prebiotics, microbiome, GI tract, immunity