Health and nutritional properties of probiotics in food including powder milk with live lactic acid bacteria, a joint FAO/WHO expert consultation. Cordoba, Argentina, 1 - 4 October 2001
Background (from document)
The beneficial effects of food with added live microbes (probiotics) on human health, and in particular of milk products on children and other high-risk populations, are being increasingly promoted by health professionals. It has been reported that these probiotics can play an important role in immunological, digestive and respiratory functions and could have a significant effect in alleviating infectious disease in children.
As there are no international consensus on the methodology to assess the efficacy and the safety of these products, at present, it was considered necessary to convene an Expert Consultation to evaluate and suggest general guidelines for such assessments.
The Consultation evaluated the latest information and scientific evidence available on the functional and safety aspects of probiotics, as well as the methodology to assess such aspects, by bringing together worldwide scientific experts in the field.