Probiotics in the United States

Probiotics are live microbial products that have a defined health benefit. Scientific research has established that there are validated indications for the use of some probiotics available in the United States; however, in many cases, they are often used for conditions for which no benefit has been established. This article will review the uses of probiotics in the United States, as well as the current state of regulatory issues surrounding probiotics. Although the use and scientific understanding of probiotics are rapidly increasing, it is evident that there is a need to clarify the regulatory issues, which, at present, are unclear and subject to misinter-pretation. In addition to efficacy, safety issues must be considered in determining when and how probiotics are to be used. The history of medicine dates back to 2000 b.c., when humans used roots as a treatment measure. From that time, humans have progressed to using prayer and then potions, and, ultimately, in the 1940s, to the discovery and use of pharmaceuticals, particularly antibiotics. Currently, it is becoming increasingly apparent that medications, although curative for many conditions