Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in certain amounts, have a beneficial effect on the health of the patient, mainly by improving the balance of the intestinal microflora. Probiotics include certain types of bacteria and yeasts, the most common of which are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
Probiotics help strengthen the immune system, prevent the development of pathogens in the gut, improve digestion and absorption of nutrients, and can also be used to prevent and treat diarrhea, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and certain types of inflammatory bowel disease.