Progress in the field of probiotics: year 2011

Purpose of review The interest and scope for research in the field of probiotics has significantly widened in recent years. This brief review covers the significant advances in the field of probiotics. Recent findings These include conclusive evidence for the benefits of probiotics in preventing all cause mortality and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates, understanding the role of probiotics as vaccine adjuvants, and in modulating inflammatory bowel diseases, bowel cancer, type 1 diabetes mellitus, obesity, high cholesterol levels, and bacterial resistance. Other areas of progress include understanding the role of probiotics in oral health and ageing. Summary Current evidence will lead to routine probiotic supplementation to prevent all cause mortality and NEC in preterm VLBW neonates. Probiotics may also become novel agents as vaccine adjuvants, and in dealing with major public health issues such as obesity, type I diabetes mellitus, and poor oral health. Research in applications of probiotics in food products will rationalize product development, and health claims. As new frontiers continue to be explored the challenges to the basis of the hygiene hypothesis will influence further developments in the field of probiotics.