Fermented dairy products such as yoghurts and other soured milk products have been consumed for hundreds of years in the belief that they provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This therapeutic use evolved well before the existence of micro-organisms was recognised and the bacteria that later became the basis of probiotic supplements were isolated.
Research has shown that probiotic and prebiotic dietary supplements can influence the microflora of the digestive tract and may have very important roles to play in human health. Although scientific understanding of probiotics and their potential for preventing and treating health conditions is in its infancy, evidence-based research on efficacy and tolerability is rapidly accumulating.