No.1 in Direct Purchase of Health Functional Foods, Understanding and Consuming 'Probiotics'

Probiotics stock photo. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Among the top four best-selling products in the domestic health functional food market are red ginseng, vitamins, omega-3, and this product. It is now widely known as "Probiotics." Commonly referred to as Lactobacillus, probiotics broadly refer to strains that improve the balance of intestinal microorganisms and have beneficial effects on health. Lactobacillus is a type of probiotic, and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has designated a total of 19 beneficial strains as functional ingredients for gut health.

According to the "2021 Health Functional Food Market Status and Consumer Survey" report published last year by the Korea Health Functional Food Association, probiotics accounted for the largest share of 20.9% in the direct purchase market, narrowly surpassing vitamins (14.7%) and red ginseng (12.3%). This indicates that many consumers directly purchase and consume probiotics for their health.

In the past, fermented milk containing Lactobacillus or kimchi, a representative Korean food, were consumed for gut health. However, recently, probiotic products have been recognized for various functionalities beyond gut health, such as enhancing immunity, leading to increased demand. Nonetheless, many people consume them indiscriminately just because they heard they are good for the body. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recommends carefully checking ▲functionality and types ▲target consumers ▲methods of intake ▲precautions when consuming, and selecting products properly.

Probiotics, Prebiotics, Postbiotics?

When examining probiotic products, unfamiliar terms abound. As mentioned earlier, probiotics refer to strains that help gut health. Prebiotics are dietary fibers that serve as food for these beneficial bacteria. Consistent intake of prebiotics can help the proliferation of beneficial bacteria.

Recently, the term Synbiotics is also used to describe the combination of probiotics and prebiotics to create synergy. Furthermore, postbiotic products containing beneficial substances produced by beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus metabolites, are being released one after another. All these are means to enhance the usefulness of beneficial bacteria's activity within the body.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has recognized functionalities of probiotics beyond gut health, including helping improve skin and nasal conditions caused by immune hypersensitivity, supporting menopausal women's health, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the vagina and suppressing harmful bacteria, and aiding in body fat reduction.

Who should take them, when, and how much?

There are no major restrictions on probiotic intake. People of all ages can consume them, and they can be especially helpful for those with disrupted balance between beneficial and harmful gut bacteria, causing gut health issues. However, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recommends that vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with specific constitutions or intestinal diseases, and those taking antibiotics or other medications, consult with healthcare professionals like doctors or pharmacists before consumption.

There is no specific time or duration set for intake. However, since it is important for probiotics to survive and reach the intestines, it is generally advised to take them after meals when stomach acid is neutralized. Recently, many products are manufactured to withstand stomach acid well, so such products can be taken before or after meals. Consistent long-term intake is recommended to expect functional benefits, and if no improvement is observed or discomfort occurs after prolonged use, the Ministry advises stopping intake or switching to another product.

Precautions when taking probiotics?

Most probiotic products released domestically have a daily intake amount set between 100 million to 10 billion CFU (colony-forming units). Probiotics often struggle to survive stomach acid and reach the intestines. Although the Ministry recommends not to consume excessively, if suitable for the individual, taking products with higher amounts of Lactobacillus is generally not problematic. Also, since the types and ratios of probiotics vary by product, it is difficult to compare efficacy based solely on total counts.

There are also parts to avoid during intake. Taking probiotics together with antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria, so concurrent intake should be avoided. Consider cases where antibiotics are taken for colds or other illnesses, which may cause gut problems due to the destruction of beneficial bacteria. If antibiotics must be taken, probiotics should be consumed afterward to help restore beneficial gut bacteria.

Although probiotics help gut health, taking them when there is an abnormality in the intestines can be risky. Infants, pregnant women, and the elderly with weak immunity should be cautious as adverse effects such as diarrhea or abdominal pain may occur. If discomfort, diarrhea, rash, or other abnormal symptoms appear after intake, consumption should be stopped.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.