Reasons for the apparent variation in the probiotic response

The results obtained by probiotic supplementation are a function of the action of live microorganisms on the very complex population of microorganisms in the gut. The outcome of this extremely complicated interaction is bound to be subject to variation and can be influenced by several factors relating to the product, the administrator and the consumer. If we can define the reasons for these inconsistencies we will be better able to develop improved preparations which when given at the right time and in the right way will give the expected response. Presented at the Second Probiotic Conference, Košice, 15–19 September 2004, Slovakia