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Chapter One
PROBIOTIC MICROORGANISMS
1.1 DEFINITIONS
Yuan Kun Lee
Department of Microbiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
"Probiotics" is derived from Greek and means "prolife." It has been redefined
throughout the years as more scientific knowledge and better understanding on its
relationship between intestinal health and general well-being has been gained. The
following are definitions of "probiotics" derived through times.
Lilly and Stillwell in 1965 defined probiotics as "Growth promoting factors
produced by microorganisms."
Parker in 1974 suggested an interaction between microorganisms with the host:
"Organisms and substances with beneficial effects for animals by influencing the
intestinal microflora."
Fuller in 1989 defined it as "A live microbial feed supplement which
beneficially affects the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance."
Havenaar and Huis Int Veld in 1992 said probiotics are "A mono- or mixed
culture of live microorganisms which, applied to animal or man, affect beneficially the
host by improving the ... read full excerpt from Handbook of Probiotics and Prebiotics ebook
