- A new scientific paper calls for strict adherence to the scientific definition, ensuring improper use of the term doesn't mislead consumers or limit advancements in the emerging field of microbiome science.
- Authored by Dr. Gregor Reid, Raja Dhir, and Dr. Azza A. Gadir
Today, Dr. Gregor Reid, the scientist who chaired the United Nations/World Health Organization Expert Panel that authored the definition of 'probiotics' in 2001[1], published a new paper in Frontiers in Microbiology: "Probiotics: Reiterating What They Are and What They Are Not", to reestablish and clarify the term.
Marketing and media misuse of the term 'probiotics', and even misunderstanding within the scientific community, has contributed to growing global skepticism about the legitimacy of microbial therapies and the associated probiotic applications to improve human health.
Reid authored this paper in an effort to ensure hype doesn't limit scientific and medical advancements. "Too many microbiome studies oversell limited findings or make broad generalizations that attribute the results of a single study on a single product across our entire field. Adherence by scientists, publications, and reporters to precise definitions and guidelines will ensure more accurate communications," said Reid. "Stewardship of the term 'probiotic' is critical to curb its misuse and misattribution and to protect the future of a field that has incredible promise."
Summary of Paper
Within the field of microbiome science, the rate of discovery of novel organisms with potentially therapeutic benefit is progressing rapidly and gaining prominence. More than ever, it is imperative that guidelines are followed to determine the validity of a probiotic. As indicated in the original FAO/WHO (2002) report[1], there are certain expectations required to call an organism 'probiotic'. These have been further clarified in 2014[2], and must include:
- That microbes be alive in an adequate number when administered.
- Strains must be identified genetically, classified using the latest
terminology, and designated by numbers, letters, or names.
- Appropriately sized and designed studies must be performed to designate a
strain as probiotic and use the strain(s) on the host to which the
probiotics are intended (human, livestock, companion animal, etc).
- Strains shown to confer a benefit for one condition may not be probiotic
for another application.
- Strains that are probiotic for humans but are being used in animal
studies should be clearly designated as human probiotics under
experimental testing.
For the complete paper, visit https://www.frontiersin.org/.../full
As part of the authors' commitment to further transparency and accountability in science communication, they have included their conflict of interest statement below. They encourage the scientific community to do the same on press releases.
Raja Dhir is a Co-Founder of Seed Health, Inc., a biotechnology company developing microbial therapies not discussed in this paper. Gregor Reid is a scientific advisor to Seed. Azza A.Gadir is involved in research and development at Seed, and is developing intellectual property related to microbial regulation of immune mechanisms underlying food allergies, which is not discussed in this paper.
