Work

Probiotics: Immunomodulation and Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy

Year: 2006

Type: review

Abstract: The intake of probiotics has been associated with beneficial effects on the immune system, such as improved disease resistance and diminished risk of allergies. This review gives an overview of the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics investigated with in vitro assays, experimental animal models, and clinical trials, and explores possible mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects. Immunomodulation, however, is not always beneficial and might induce detrimental effects; therefore, a scheme is proposed for benefit-risk assessment of immunomodulation by probiotics. Within this scheme, expert judgment based on data derived from a panel of in vitro assays, animal models, and clinical trials should lead to conclusions on efficacy and safety aspects of probiotics.

Source: Nutrition Reviews

DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2006.tb00168.x

Authors: Janine Ezendam, Henk Loveren

Institutions: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Maastricht University

Language: English

Topic: Probiotics and Fermented Foods

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2154503456

FWCI: 0.964

Cites: 69

Cited by: 104

Related to: 10