What are probiotics?

• A. Living organisms that we ingest in which we have a symbiotic relationship with.
• B. Enzymes that speed up body processes.
• C. Vaccines that train the immune system.
• D. Nutrients that provide energy.

Answer: (A)

Probiotics are living microorganisms that we ingest, and when taken in adequate amounts they can confer health benefits because they participate in the gut ecosystem. They often include certain bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and sometimes yeast, that survive passage through the digestive tract and help maintain a favorable balance in the gut. This relationship with us is symbiotic: the microbes gain a habitat and nutrients, and we may gain benefits such as improved digestion and supports for the immune system. So the best description is living organisms we ingest with whom we have a symbiotic relationship. The other choices describe enzymes, vaccines, or nutrients, which are not living microbes or describe different roles.