Hello, I'm YAYAâ½, the lactic acid bacteria master at Yak-Al!

When I first wrote, it was cold winter, but now it's become full spring.

Are you all enjoying spring well??

Along with the changing season, YAYAâ½, who has been your faithful companion, the lactic acid bacteria master has returned!

The topic we're about to explore today is ‘probiotics’.

Are you ready to study with fun(?) today? let's go!

What are probiotics??

image (4)

Have you ever heard of the term probiotics?? We should clarify the meaning first?

The definition of probiotics is when consumed in appropriate amounts, it is a general term for beneficial live microorganisms that are beneficial to the human body.

We commonly know that yogurt also contains lactic acid bacteria, so it can be called a probiotic.

So you might wonder why I'm called the lactic acid bacteria master at Yak-Al when I came to teach about probiotics,,,,

‘It's’ simply because it sounds good. 😀

+

For reference, ‘prebiotics’serve as food for probiotics and the two can create a synergistic effect when consumed together!

Benefits of probiotics

Now that we've learned the definition of probiotics, let's explore the benefits of probiotics?

Helps nutrient absorption.

image (5)

Probiotics contain lactase, lactase a lactose-degrading enzyme,,

and help break down lactose in milk into glucose and galactose.

If lactose is not properly broken down, it is fermented by other bacteria in the intestines, producing gas or acid,

As a result, it can cause abdominal pain or diarrhea.

However, by breaking it down in advance, probiotics can alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Additionally, protease (a protein-degrading enzyme) contained in probiotics breaks down proteins into amino acids and improves digestion and absorption rate.

Along with this, as a result of probiotic metabolism,

when the pH in the intestines decreases, minerals like calcium and phosphorus are also absorbed more efficiently.

When the intestinal environment becomes healthy, naturally digestive function improves and bowel movements become smooth.

In fact, many people who consume lactic acid bacteria report that "going to the bathroom has become easier".

According to one meta-analysis,, probiotics increase weekly bowel movement frequency by an average of 1.29 times,

and shorten intestinal transit time by approximately 12.4 hours which has been confirmed.

Notably, Bifidobacterium lactis certain strains have been reported to greatly contribute to these effects.

Cancer suppression

image (6)

Some lactic acid bacteria have the function of suppressing substances with cancer-causing potential.

For example, Lactobacillus casei certain strains heterocyclic amine adsorb a mutagenic substance and expel it from the body,

Lactobacillus acidophilus and when consuming fermented milk containing these strains, there is an effect of reducing mutagenic substances.

Additionally, secondary bile acids generated from the breakdown of bile acids in the intestines induce shedding of intestinal mucosal cells,

and as a result, excessive cell proliferation and cancer can be induced.

However, lactic acid bacteria do not have the 7Î±-dehydroxylase enzyme that produces these secondary bile acids,

so they can help block a cancer-inducing environment.

Anti-inflammatory function

image (7)

Bacteriocin, a substance produced by probiotics,

is primarily an antimicrobial peptide made up of 20~60 amino acids.

A typical example is nisin,,

and these substances puncture holes in the cell membranes of harmful bacteria and destroy the cells.

Through this mechanism, probiotics regulate the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the intestines and,

contribute to preventing infection by harmful bacteria.

The anti-inflammatory effect has a positive impact not only on intestinal health but also on overall immune regulation.

Enhanced mucosal and systemic immunity

image (8)

Probiotics can help improve not only intestinal mucosal function but also overall systemic immune function.

For example,, Lactobacillus casei when consuming certain strains of lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus

Salmonella typhimurium secretory IgA antibodies for defense against certain pathogens were observed to increase.

Additionally, in animal studies following lactic acid bacteria consumption, T cells and B cells responded actively,

and spleen cell proliferation increased.

Furthermore, cytokine production by macrophages and helper T cells (TH cells) was also promoted,

and there are research results showing it is effective in recovering immune responses that decrease with age.

Another interesting finding is,

that increased complement activity in the blood and enhanced phagocytic activity were confirmed after lactic acid bacteria consumption.

Beyond this, diabetes, arthritis, flu prevention, asthma, Crohn's disease, atopic dermatitis and other conditions

reports continue to emerge that probiotics may help regulate immune responses in various diseases.

In addition, lactic acid bacteria in various situations such as diabetes, arthritis, and flu vaccination

have research reports showing they can alter specific immune responses.

Also, in patients with conditions such as asthma, rotavirus infection, Crohn's disease, and juvenile arthritis,

results are being published showing that lactic acid bacteria influence immune responses.

Based on these research results, interest in lactic acid bacteria and immune regulation is steadily increasing,,

and related research is actively ongoing,

In particular, there are reports that consistent supplementation of probiotics can help alleviate atopic symptoms such as

milk allergies and atopic dermatitis, which is receiving considerable attention.

Precautions

As we've seen, probiotics positively impact not only intestinal health but also

nutrient absorption and immune regulation.

However, no matter how beneficial a component is, when consuming it, there are precautions to observe.

First,, while probiotics are generally considered safe for healthy individuals,,

those with weakened immunity or those suffering from severe illnesses need to exercise caution.

In such cases, probiotics may actually increase infection risk, so,

it is advisable to consume them after consulting with a healthcare professional.

Additionally, for children,, be careful not to exceed the recommended intake amount specified on the product and,

to do this, parental supervision and guidance are absolutely necessary.

In particular, for children's probiotics, it is important to confirm whether the product is appropriate for the child's age.

One more precaution to note is that effectiveness may be reduced when taken together with antibiotics.

Since antibiotics have the characteristic of eliminating both beneficial and harmful bacteria,,

it is better to take probiotics separately with a 2~3 hour gap after antibiotic use.

Finally,, when selecting a probiotic product, choose products from a trustworthy manufacturer and,

you must verify the types of strains, consumption methods, storage conditions, and expiration date listed on the product label.

Since the effectiveness can vary depending on product quality,, it is important to select verified products.

So far, from the basic definition of probiotics to the positive effects on our bodies,

and precautions when consuming them we have explored together.

In our next lecture, ‘we plan to discuss in detail?’which probiotics you should choose, so we ask for your continued interest!

Conclusion

The definition of probiotics is beneficial microorganisms that benefit the human body when consumed in appropriate amounts.
Probiotics have an impact on nutrient absorption, immune function enhancement, and cancer suppression.
Prebiotics have precautions to observe, so avoid excessive consumption.