Definition of functional food and probiotic
HC functional food definition
Is similar in appearance to, or may be a conventional food, is consumed as part of a
usual diet, and is demonstrated to have physiological benefits and/or reduce the
risk of chronic disease beyond basic nutritional functions.
Probiotic
A live microorganism, when administered in adequate amounts, confers a health
benefit on the host.
HC probiotic definition
A monoculture or mixed culture of live microorganisms_that benefit the microbiota
indigenous to humans.
Fermented foods and foods that contain live bacteria are known
throughout the world (1,2). Traditionally, foods were fermented
to extend shelf life by reducing pH or to improve taste by
producing flavorful bacterial metabolites or texture by breaking
down some carbohydrates. Fermentation may also improve the
nutritive value of foods by producing vitamins and breaking down
nonnutritive factors. With the increasing evidence that some
bacteria can be beneficial to human health and metabolism (3,4),
the interest in foods containing live bacteria has increased, and
today food manufacturers are adding beneficial bacteria to a wide