Probiotics are defined as "live microorganisms or beneficial bacteria which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host" (FAO/WHO, 2001).

Probiotics can be bacteria and yeasts. But most Probiotics are bacteria. Among bacteria Lactic Acid Bacteria are more popular. Lactobacillus casei , Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium breve are commonly used probiotics.

Probiotics are "friendly" bacteria that help to restore / maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut and confer a health benefit on the host.

Whereas antibiotics are drugs that destroy the harmful bacteria or organisms that cause infections. However intake of antibiotics tends to deplete the good bacteria as well from our body.

Everyone needs Probiotics. Trillions of bacteria reside in our gut, some are beneficial while others are harmful. Sometimes due to stress, illness, indiscriminate use of antibiotics, inadequate diet and sleep, the good bacteria in the gut get depleted leading to indigestion, infections and discomfort. Daily intake of probiotics in the diet, helps to remain healthy by replenishing the good bacteria in the gut.

Most Probiotics do not permanently colonize in the intestine but exert their effects as they transit through the intestine. Thus daily consumption of these bacteria is the best way to get maximum benefit.

Probiotics generally help to maintain a healthy digestive system by maintaining the balance of the gut flora.

Several studies suggest that probiotics may play an important role in improving bowel function and hence prevent diarrhoea and constipation, gastrointestinal diseases such as IBS and IBD, cancers, allergic disorders and respiratory diseases.

The label of a food containing probiotics should indicate :

• Full probiotic name, which includes Genus, Species, Strain.
• Minimum viable numbers of probiotics at the level at which efficacy is claimed and at the end of shelf- life.
• Health claim(s)
• Serving size for efficacy
• Storage conditions