A number of health effects are associated with usage of probiotics. There are
differing degrees of evidence supporting the verification of such effects and the
Consultation recognizes that there are reports showing no clinical effects of certain
probiotic strains in specific situations (Andersson et al. 2001). While a rigorous review of
each topic was not within the scope of the Consultation, an attempt was made to provide
guidelines on parameters for measuring health benefits.
The use of probiotic microorganisms to confer health benefits on the host must
indicate the dosage regimens and duration of use as recommended by the manufacturer of
each individual strain or product based upon scientific evidence, and as approved in the
country of sale. While this practice is not currently in place, the Consultation strongly
recommended that each product should indicate the minimum daily amount required for it
to confer specific health benefit(s). Such evidence should, where possible result from in
vitro, animal (where appropriate) and human studies. Examples have been cited below to
illustrate studies on specific strains and clinical outcomes. In doing so, the emphasis