The ecology of the intestinal flora, which comprises more than 400 species (both "good" and "bad"), is in constant flux. These bacteria are obviously involved in numerous interactions with the host's metabolism and physiology.

Hence the merits of being able to have a positive influence on the intestinal flora's composition!

Each day, we unwittingly ingest large amounts of bacteria with our food. Today, we have the possibility of bolstering our intestinal equilibrium and immune defenses by taking food supplements that are rich in "good" lactic acid bacteria.

Daily intake of a specific amount of lactic acid bacteria makes it possible above all to prevent or restore normality more quickly after such intestinal ailments as traveler's diarrhea ("Montezuma's revenge") and maintain optimal intestinal activity (prevention of constipation, bloating, and gas), which is increasingly hard put to withstand the onslaughts of our frenzied lifestyles.

This is because by competing for the best place on the intestinal wall (where anchoring receptors and nutrients are to be found) and producing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H202), and bacteriocins (antimicrobial substances), lactic acid bacteria slow down the growth of undesirable, even pathogenic, bacterial strains (strains that cause diarrhea, constipation, gas, and other gastrointestinal problems such as specific infections). This is known as the "barrier effect."


However, as documented by clinical studies, probiotics (including lactic acid bacteria) also help bolster our immunity. They effectively improve the body's immune defenses, thereby reducing the probability of viral and bacterial infections.

In addition, these microorganisms participate actively in digestion by breaking down (by fermentation) the food components that the body does not take up (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, etc.). Some of them are characterized by particularly high lactase activity, for example. They thus make facilitate the digestion of lactose-rich foods, which cause intestinal problems for 5% of Europe's population and three-quarters of the population worldwide! Some bacteria produce vitamins - B2, B5, B9, B12 and K in particular - as well.

Finally, still other effects have been described to various extents in the literature, e.g., protection against vaginal infections, lowering of high blood pressure, even the prevention of certain types of cancer.

Such lactic acid bacteria-based food supplements are found, whether as capsules, tablets, or powders, in pharmacists' shops, specialized stores, and supermarkets alike.