Probiotics are useful microorganisms that make up the oral, intestinal and vaginal flora. Their presence makes it possible in particular to counter the proliferation of harmful microorganisms which can, for example, cause infectious diarrhea or vaginitis. Probiotics also aid in the digestion of food. In particular, fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, have been shown to aid the digestion of lactose1, especially in people who are intolerant to it.

Supplements of certain probiotics, especially lactobacilli, also have this effect, but to a lesser extent.

Prevent and treat infectious diarrhea (gastroenteritis and tourista).

Relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Prevent recurrence in case of pouchitis.

Treat Helicobacter pylori infection

For probiotics to be effective, it is very important that they get "alive" in large numbers in the gut. However, the acidity of the stomach kills a very large part (90%). To avoid this destruction, it is important to choose products available in enteric-coated capsules, designed to dissolve in the intestine. In Canada, under the regulation on the labeling of natural health products (January 2004), products containing probiotics must display an inscription specifying their content of active bacteria, for example: contains 2 billion bacteria or CFU (colony forming units) per gram.