Probiotics, also translated as "prebiotics, protobacteria", developed as early as Metchnikoff's theory that fermented dairy products contribute to health and longevity 1907. The English word Probiotics comes from Greek, meaning "for life". 1994 The international conference held in Germany clearly pointed out that probiotics refer to bacterial products containing live or dead bacteria, including their components and products, which are put into the oral cavity or other mucosal routes to improve the balance of microorganisms or enzymes on the mucosal surface or stimulate specific or non-specific immune mechanisms.
The main characteristics of probiotics are as follows:
1. It originated from the host, and has a certain promoting effect on the health of the host;
2. It shows certain resistance to gastric acid, enzymes and bile digestion in gastrointestinal tract or pancreas, so that it can exist in gastrointestinal tract and live normally;
3. It can effectively colonize the gastrointestinal tract, thus inhibiting the adhesion, customization, replication or activity of intestinal pathogenic bacteria;
4. By producing antibacterial metabolites or bacteriocins, the composition of microbial flora can be selectively adjusted, and pathogenic bacteria in food can be inhibited to some extent;
5. It is recognized as a safe microorganism;
6. Accurately identify bacteria (genes, species, strains) and their characteristics to ensure their proven safety;
7. The product can produce clinical curative effect when taken at a reasonable dose;
8. It can maintain activity and stability during the preparation and storage of its products, and can be used for large-scale production with economic value;