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The connection between probiotics and longevity: science or superstition?
In recent years, the topic of probiotics has become very popular in the health world, with many commercial campaigns even claiming that these microorganisms can extend life. Can probiotics really affect life expectancy? This question has sparked constant discussion. According to the World Health Organization, "probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host when administered in adequate amounts." However, are all the claimed health benefits supported by science?
The history of probiotics can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Bulgarian microbiologist Steinmei Grigorov discovered a certain probiotic. This amateur discovery was later discovered by Russian scientist Eli Mechmi. Kov expanded on this theory, which the latter proposed that Bulgarian peasants who ate yogurt had longer lifespans. A series of scientific studies followed, trying to prove the correctness of this view."Probiotics are considered safe food ingredients, but there is uncertainty about their effects on different individuals."
In modern times, probiotics have been used to improve gut health, and many people report that they can help relieve some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, there is less scientific support for other purported benefits, such as treating eczema.
“Many of the purported health benefits lack strong scientific evidence.”
In food, probiotics are commonly found in fermented dairy products, such as yogurt and pistachios, where they can improve the nutritional value of foods and prevent them from going bad. For consumers in many situations, choosing foods rich in probiotics seems to be a reasonable health choice.
Recent studies have also raised concerns about probiotic dosage. In fact, higher colony forming units (CFU) does not necessarily equate to higher efficacy, as the effectiveness of each probiotic depends on the specific strain and symptoms.
"The functions of intestinal microorganisms are complex, so it is necessary to consider the use of probiotics on an individual basis."
However, the safety issues of probiotics cannot be underestimated. In certain populations, such as immunocompromised patients, the use of probiotics may lead to unexpected complications, such as bloodstream infections. This means that consumers must be cautious when choosing probiotic products.
The market demand for probiotics has also grown accordingly. According to reports, the global probiotics market had a retail value of $41 billion in 2015. As consumers become more health conscious, sales of probiotic products are expected to maintain steady growth.
“Market expansion demands increasingly stringent scientific verification requirements for probiotic products.”
Despite this, the level of regulation of probiotics varies between countries. The European Food Safety Authority has rejected several applications for probiotic health claims due to a lack of sufficient scientific evidence to support their efficacy. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration also issues warnings about certain probiotic products that claim to make illness or treat disease.
In an environment with strong supervision, it is necessary to let consumers know the true situation of the product to avoid misleading. Many product labels claim to contain "active cultures", but the actual number of live bacteria may have been significantly reduced by the time of consumption, and these details are often difficult for consumers to detect.
"Consumers should be cautious when choosing probiotic products as the market is flooded with irresponsible claims."
Finally, research on probiotics is still ongoing. While some studies suggest that probiotic products may help improve health in certain specific situations, there are still many assumptions to be proven. In any case, in our pursuit of health, should we be more critical of these microbes?
