Many probiotic products are used by consumers who regard themselves as being
otherwise healthy. They do so on the assumption that probiotics can retain their health
and well being, and potentially reduce their long-term risk of diseases of the bowel,
kidney, respiratory tract and heart. Several points need to be made on this assumption and
its implications. The Consultation recognized that the use of probiotics should not replace
a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet in otherwise healthy people.
Firstly, there is no precise measure of “health” and subjects may actually have
underlying and