FEBRUARY - 2023LIFE SCIENCES REVIEW8IN MY OPINIONTBy Anders Damholt, Head of Clinical Development, Human Health Innovation, Chr. Hansenhe human microbiome is present almost everywhere on the human body and in fact, we humans are mostly microbes as the microbes outnumber our human cells ten to one. The majority live in our gut, particularly in the large intestine and play an integrated part of our well-being of the human. It is possible to modulate the human microbiome by supplementation of selected beneficial bacteria. Probiotics are live microorganisms, that possess health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Many foods and supplements contain live microorganisms, but only those containing characterized strains with a scientifically demonstrated effect on health may correctly be termed "probiotics". These bacteria, which are selected based on a specific beneficial profile, isolated, and industrialized, can have significant and important effects on vital functions such as the immune system, digestive health and metabolism. Another way of modulating the microbiome is through supplementation with prebiotics. This concept is covers non-digestible carbohydrates, which are utilized by and selectively improve the growth of beneficial microbes in the gut.By this definition, a probiotic strain as well as a prebiotic product, must be safe for the consumer and characterized by its specific identity, potency, and health benefits, features that must be proven by solid scientific evidence including clinical studies.When co-administered, pre- and probiotics constitute a synbiotic. As a synbiotic, they may act in a complementary fashion, where both the pre- or probiotic confers a health benefit of their own, or synergistically where they work in tandem to support health benefits for the consumer.NEW INNOVATIVE PROBIOTICS PROGRAMMING THE INFANT MICROBIOMEAnders Damholt
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