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Journal of Education, Health and Sport

The effectiveness of natural probiotics in food
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The effectiveness of natural probiotics in food

Authors

  • Michał Urbaś Stefan Zeromski Specialist Hospital, ul. Osiedle Na Skarpie 66, 31-913 Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2762-4723
  • Dawid Kościołek Medical University of Lodz, al. Tadeusza Kosciuszki 4, 90-419 Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7946-753X
  • Martyna Kępczyk Medical University of Lodz, al. Tadeusza Kosciuszki 4, 90-419 Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3556-6925
  • Aleksandra Kościołek Medical University of Lodz, al. Tadeusza Kosciuszki 4, 90-419 Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1307-8438
  • Kaja Surowiecka Student Research Club of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Aleje Raclawickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7951-5448
  • Jakub Misiak Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pabianicka 62, 93-513 Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1176-3994
  • Miłosz Ojdana Military Medical Academy Memorial Teaching Hospital – Central Veterans’ Hospital, ul. Zeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4901-7252
  • Konrad Szalbot Medical University of Lodz, al. Tadeusza Kosciuszki 4, 90-419 Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2210-0386
  • Mikołaj Tokarski Medical University of Lodz, al. Tadeusza Kosciuszki 4, 90-419 Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9301-6267
  • Konrad Czchowski Medical University of Lodz, al. Tadeusza Kosciuszki 4, 90-419 Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7968-6660

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2024.61.011

Keywords

probiotic, fermented food, pickled food, bacteria, gut microbiota

Abstract

Introduction and purpose
The term "probiotic" rooted in Latin, signifies 'for life,' reflecting the historical use of fermented products for therapeutic purposes. Defined by the WHO as living microorganisms conferring health benefits when consumed adequately, probiotics, mainly bacteria from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, play a vital role in maintaining gut microbiota balance, regulating digestion, supporting the immune system and influencing mental and cardiovascular health. While browsing many websites devoted to healthy eating or popular science topics, we often came across the topic of probiotic food without any confirmation by scientific research. The aim of this paper is to confirm or exclude the presence of probiotics in popular foods.

Material and method

In our work, we will look at individual products with an emphasis on verifying whether the microorganisms they contain meet the WHO criteria of probiotics.

Results

Our review managed to prove the probiotic effect of almost all presented food, except for miso. By reviewing many articles, we shed a lot of uncertainty on the repeated myth about the lack of probiotic effect of cucumbers preserved in vinegar  and what is more, we found scientific assumptions about the probiotic effect of vinegar itself.

Conclusion

Fermented food contains numerous strains of bacteria that are resistant to acid, bile and temperature in the human digestive tract and can be effectively used as a source of probiotics.

What is more, compared with probiotics from the pharmacy, pickles provide not only probiotics, but also nutritional values, valuable fiber and vitamins. They seem to be a versatile supplement for our health.

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Published

2024-02-19

How to Cite

1.
URBAŚ, Michał, KOŚCIOŁEK, Dawid, KĘPCZYK, Martyna, KOŚCIOŁEK, Aleksandra, SUROWIECKA, Kaja, MISIAK, Jakub, OJDANA, Miłosz, SZALBOT, Konrad, TOKARSKI, Mikołaj and CZCHOWSKI, Konrad. The effectiveness of natural probiotics in food. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. Online. 19 February 2024. Vol. 61, pp. 167-185. [Accessed 15 May 2025]. DOI 10.12775/JEHS.2024.61.011.
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Vol. 61 (2024)

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Health Sciences

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Copyright (c) 2024 Michał Urbaś, Dawid Kościołek, Martyna Kępczyk, Aleksandra Kościołek, Kaja Surowiecka, Jakub Misiak, Miłosz Ojdana, Konrad Szalbot, Mikołaj Tokarski, Konrad Czchowski

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