Probiotics for Health Benefits: The Regulatory Concerns and Suggestive Roadmap
Journal Title: Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (BJSTR) - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 5
Abstract
Probiotics, the friendly bugs, has gained impressive attention worldwide due to their nutraceutical and pharmaceutical benefits, established in recent years. However existing regulatory regime in various countries has ambiguities regarding its classification based on intended use and respective approval process. Author and his coworkers have proposed a revised definition and categorization of probiotic products along with possible path to develop a comprehensive guideline for global enactment. Probiotics, as defined by FAO/WHO, are live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. In recent days, use of probiotics for health benefits has increased due to their wide range of medicinal values complemented with low cost and insignificant side effects. This has resulted in commercial exploration of probiotics globally for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. The major driving force behind the success of these products is growing interest in the concept of holistic health through diet regulation as preventive step to avoid various diseases. In last two decades, probiotics are also reported to be useful in treatment of some serious clinical disorders such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, allergic diseases (atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis) and prevention of dental caries, respiratory infections, lactose intolerance, variety of gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome etc. Recent findings have established that some of the probiotic strains may have therapeutic potential and involvement in new therapeutic pathways in dysbiosis related diseases. The frequent and sometimes irrational use of antibiotics has also made probiotics as almost essential component of prescription specially to maintain the friendly microbial flora in gut and intestines. Ever increasing incidences of gastrointestinal diseases, market acceptance and emerging biotechnological advancements in formulation designing also resulted in expansion of probiotic market across the globe. The probiotic market is presently growing at a CAGR of 6.8% with an expected market value of USD 45 billion in 2018 attributed to food, beverage, dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals.
Authors and Affiliations
Ashish Baldi
Keywords
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- EP ID EP569512
- DOI 10.26717/BJSTR.2017.01.000405
- Views 185
- Downloads 0
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