Probiotics: An Introduction

Definition:

Probiotics are live microorganisms, often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These microorganisms primarily consist of beneficial bacteria and yeast that help maintain a balanced microbiome, particularly in the gut.

General Use:

Probiotics are commonly used to support digestive health. They help restore the natural balance of gut bacteria, especially after it has been disrupted by illness, poor diet, or antibiotics. Probiotics are found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as in dietary supplements. Their general uses include:

- Alleviating digestive issues (e.g., diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome)

- Supporting immune function

- Preventing and treating certain infections (e.g., urinary tract infections)

- Promoting overall gut health

Use in Cancer Treatment:

In oncology, probiotics are gaining attention for their potential to support patients undergoing cancer treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation can disrupt the gut microbiota, leading to gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and mucositis (inflammation of the digestive tract). Probiotics may help mitigate these effects by restoring gut balance and strengthening the immune system. Additionally, there is growing interest in the role of probiotics in:

- Reducing inflammation that could promote cancer progression

- Enhancing the effectiveness of certain cancer therapies (e.g., immunotherapy)

- Supporting overall well-being during cancer treatments

Advantages of Probiotics:

1. Digestive health support: Probiotics help improve digestion and prevent issues like bloating and constipation.

2. Immune system boost: They enhance immune responses, making the body more resistant to infections.

3. Gut microbiota balance: They promote a healthy microbiome, which is crucial for overall health, including mental well-being and metabolism.

4. Potential therapeutic benefits: In specific contexts, such as cancer treatment, they may help reduce treatment side effects and improve recovery.

Disadvantages of Probiotics:

1. Limited regulation: Not all probiotic supplements are properly regulated, leading to variability in quality and effectiveness.

2. Risk of infection: In individuals with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients or those with underlying health conditions, probiotics may cause infections.

3. Unclear efficacy: While probiotics show promise in many areas, their benefits are not universally proven for all health conditions, and some strains may not be effective in every individual.

4. Potential for antibiotic resistance: Some concerns exist about the potential transfer of antibiotic-resistant genes from probiotics to harmful bacteria.

In summary, while probiotics offer many health benefits, their use, particularly in vulnerable populations like cancer patients, should be carefully considered under medical guidance.

Read more :

1. Stavropoulou, Elisavet, and Eugenia Bezirtzoglou. "Probiotics in medicine: a long debate." Frontiers in immunology 11 (2020): 554558.

2. Trush, Elizaveta A., et al. "The evolution of human probiotics: challenges and prospects." Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins 12 (2020): 1291-1299.

3. Yadav, Monika, Mandeep, and Pratyoosh Shukla. "Probiotics of diverse origin and their therapeutic applications: a review." Journal of the American College of Nutrition 39.5 (2020): 469-479.

4. Samanta, Saptadip. "Potential impacts of prebiotics and probiotics on cancer prevention." Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Formerly Current Medicinal Chemistry-Anti-Cancer Agents) 22.4 (2022): 605-628.

5. Bedada, Tesfaye Legesse, et al. "Probiotics for cancer alternative prevention and treatment." Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy 129 (2020): 110409.