Int J Food Microbiol  1998 May 26;41(2):85-101 

Overview of gut flora and probiotics.

Holzapfel WH, Haberer P, Snel J, Schillinger U, Huis in't Veld JH.

Institute of Hygiene and Toxicology, Federal Research Centre for Nutrition,

Karlsruhe, Germany. ob07@rz.uni-karlsruhe.de

Scientific developments in recent years have opened new frontiers and enable a

better understanding of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) as a complex and

delicately balanced ecosystem. This paper focuses on more recent information

related to the microbial population of the GIT and its functional role in human

physiology and health. Special attention is also given to modern approaches for

improving or stabilising the intestinal system and its functioning by the

deliberate application of viable microbial cultures, so-called 'probiotics',

selected for special functional properties.