Probiotics - From Metchnikoff to bioactives

The benefits of probiotics have been recognized and explored for over a century. The pioneering work of Tissier and Moro was elaborated in the Metchnikoff's theory of longevity and converted into commercial reality by Shirota and Kellogg in 1930s and German nutritionists with their probiotic therapy in 1950s. Our knowledge about probiotics and their interactions with the host has grown ever since and many potential and even proven mechanisms of action for probiotics have recently been published. Definitely, there is enough clinical evidence to support certain health claims attributed to selected strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. However, substantial work needs to be done to substantiate other potentially beneficial properties including immunomodulation, hypocholesterolemic and anticarcinogenic effects. The aim of this review is to pay the tribute to pioneers in the field and provide an overview of the current state of knowledge about probiotics and their impact on our well-being. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.