Probiotics are defined as“live microorganisms which, when
administered in adequate amounts, confer a health bene
fit on the host”(FAO/WHO, 2002). Probiotics may beneficially affect the host by modulating immune responses, in fluencing its metabolic activities (e.g. cholesterol assimilation) and performing useful meta-
bolic activities (e.g., lactase activity, vitamin production,
antimicrobial activity).