Indications and objectives
The main objective of probiotics in clinical practice is the correction of microbiocenosis. These agents help normalize both the qualitative and quantitative composition of the body's microflora.
The primary indication for prescribing them is dysbiosis of various origins. Due to the polyetiological (multifactorial) nature of this condition, dysbiosis is extremely widespread among the population. The following factors contribute to its development:
- Past infectious and somatic diseases.
- Adverse environmental conditions and occupational hazards.
- Secondary immunodeficiency states.
- Irrational and unbalanced diet.
Due to high demand, probiotics are mass-market products. They are manufactured on an industrial scale to ensure uninterrupted supply to pharmacy chains.
Composition and dosage forms
The active principle of probiotics is live bacteria. To preserve their viability in the product, manufacturers use lyophilization — gentle dehydration of microorganisms by vacuum freezing.
In addition to freeze-dried cultures, the preparations contain excipients: various stabilizers and flavoring agents.
Main presentation forms:
- Powders for suspension preparation.
- Tableted forms.
- Dietary analogs — fermented milk products purposefully enriched with live normal microflora.
Dosage and administration rules
The dosage of probiotics is always calculated strictly by the number of live bacterial cells contained in one gram of the product or in a single tablet. The standard therapeutic dose typically ranges from 1 to 100 million live bacteria.
Features of the therapy regimen:
- Route of administration: Taken orally (by mouth).
- Frequency: 2–3 times a day.
- Duration: Restoring microflora takes time, so treatment courses are always prolonged, lasting from 1 to 6 months.
- Multidisciplinary approach: As a rule, probiotics are not used in isolation, but are prescribed in a rational combination with other therapeutic methods.
Storage conditions
The presence of fully viable microbial cells makes probiotics extremely sensitive to the external environment.
To maintain the efficacy of the medicine, it is critically important to provide "gentle" storage conditions. The main requirements include strict temperature control (usually in a refrigerator, according to the instructions) and mandatory protection of packaging from direct sunlight.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
Which specific genera and species of bacteria are used as probiotic strains?
Representatives of the normal intestinal microbiota, as well as self-eliminating microorganisms, are used as probiotic strains.
- Bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis) are representatives of the normal flora.
- Lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum) are representatives of the normal flora.
- Escherichia coli (Escherichia coli) is a representative of the normal flora.
- Enterococci (Enterococcus faecium) are used in combined preparations.
- Bacilli (Bacillus subtilis) are self-eliminating antagonists.
- Yeasts (Saccharomyces boulardii) are self-eliminating antagonists.
How do probiotics differ from prebiotics and synbiotics?
The main difference lies in the composition of the preparations and their mechanism of action on the microbiocenosis.
| Group | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Probiotics | Preparations containing live microorganisms (bacteria) to normalize microflora. |
| Prebiotics | Substances of non-microbial origin that stimulate the growth of one's own normal microflora. |
| Synbiotics | Combined preparations uniting probiotics (live bacteria) and prebiotics (a medium for their growth). |
It is easy to remember the essence of probiotics through the prefix PRO-: they are PROfessional restorers that work "FOR" life (pro bios) and colonize the intestine with "their own" live bacteria, unlike antibiotics, which destroy the microflora.
Class and exam questions
What is the active principle of probiotics?
These products are based on cultures of live, non-pathogenic bacteria that normally inhabit the intestine of a healthy human.
How is the dose of a probiotic preparation calculated?
The dose is determined by the number of live bacterial cells. A standard tablet or gram of powder contains from 1 to 100 million such cells.
Why must probiotics be stored under special conditions?
The preparations contain live microorganisms. To prevent them from dying before entering the body, temperature control and protection from sunlight are required.
What else to study on this topic
- Mechanisms of lyophilization of live bacterial cultures
- Differences between dietary fermented milk analogs and pharmacological forms of probiotics
- The role of stabilizers and excipients in immunobiological preparations
- Principles of combining probiotics with other methods of dysbiosis therapy
Study the full topic in the «Microbiology» course
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- Complete study guide on "Probiotics" and another 4,383 pages of the subject
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Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.