In the backdrop of numerous probiotic products in the market, Indian scientists are developing local strains of the bacteria to suit Indians better.
Government authorities are also bringing in guidelines to regulate clinical use of probiotics.
“A strain of lactobacillus plantarum from the Indian population has been submitted to the Institute of Microbial Technology for approval. Once it is approved, we will ask for phase one trials,” said Dr Sunita Grover, principal scientist, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal.
She spoke on the sidelines of the 1st Annual Conference and International Symposium organised by the Probiotic Association of India (PAi).
With the theme ‘Probiotics for human health — New innovations and emerging trends’, the conference discussed production and use of probiotic organisms, and impact of probiotic foods in health, immunity and preventing diseases.
Probiotics are human health-friendly bacteria, which include lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Usage of their various strains is claimed to improve overall health as well as some specific disorders.
K Chandramouli, chairperson, Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI), said, “There is a plethora of myths associated with probiotic food and their usage. The situation is further complicated due to lack of government regulatory quality control standards for probiotic foods in India, though Indian guidelines for probiotic cultures and foods have recently been launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research in collaboration with the union department of biotechnology.”
Pointing to limitations of the use of probiotics, PAi secretary Dr V K Batish said, “If an infant is healthy, then probiotics are good. But if the child has compromised immunity, then doctors have to be careful in giving probiotics.”
Government authorities are also bringing in guidelines to regulate clinical use of probiotics.
“A strain of lactobacillus plantarum from the Indian population has been submitted to the Institute of Microbial Technology for approval. Once it is approved, we will ask for phase one trials,” said Dr Sunita Grover, principal scientist, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal.
She spoke on the sidelines of the 1st Annual Conference and International Symposium organised by the Probiotic Association of India (PAi).
With the theme ‘Probiotics for human health — New innovations and emerging trends’, the conference discussed production and use of probiotic organisms, and impact of probiotic foods in health, immunity and preventing diseases.
Probiotics are human health-friendly bacteria, which include lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Usage of their various strains is claimed to improve overall health as well as some specific disorders.
K Chandramouli, chairperson, Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI), said, “There is a plethora of myths associated with probiotic food and their usage. The situation is further complicated due to lack of government regulatory quality control standards for probiotic foods in India, though Indian guidelines for probiotic cultures and foods have recently been launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research in collaboration with the union department of biotechnology.”
Pointing to limitations of the use of probiotics, PAi secretary Dr V K Batish said, “If an infant is healthy, then probiotics are good. But if the child has compromised immunity, then doctors have to be careful in giving probiotics.”
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