PERAN PROBIOTIK UNTUK KESEHATAN

Abstract

Probiotics are live microorganism that are given as food supplement and have beneficial effect on human and animal health. Beneficial effect of probiotics is improving balance of intestinal microflora. Probiotics can eliminate antigens that enter the body along with the food. Principal mechanism of probiotics was decompose long-chain carbohydrates, proteins and fats because the microorganism has special enzymes to break down those bonds. Species that are commonly used are Lactobacilus and Bifidobacterium. The survival of probiotics bacteria also depend on prebiotics that are needed for its food. The example of prebiotics are oligosaccharides (consisting of raffinose and stachyose), fruktooligosaccharides (also called oligofructose), inulin, lactulose and laktosucrose. Natural forms of prebiotics such as whole grains, vegetables (asparagus, broccoli), fruits and spices (such as garlic, onion, leek leaves), and processed soy products (such as soy milk, tempeh, tofu, and tauco). The benefits of probiotics bacteria to human health are improving the immune system, helps the absorption of nutrients, shorten the duration of diarrhea and help the digestion of lactose for lactose intolerance patients.