The human intestinal tract is colonized by several thousand species of bacteria. These species represent both beneficial bacteria as well as harmful ones. Beneficial bacteria are referred to as probiotics. Research over the years and more recent findings have shown the beneficial effects of probiotics in the prevention, treatment, and management of several human diseases including gastrointestinal disorders, atopic dermatitis, vaginitis, and oral health. Other diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and osteoporosis are also the topic of recent clinical studies. Clinical studies have also been conducted to study the role of probiotics in improving athletic performance. The focus of research is to identify the specific species of probiotics, their interactions, and mechanisms of action in providing health benefits. Recognition of the health benefits of probiotics has led to the marketing of several supplements and functional foods. Government agencies are actively developing regulatory guidelines for the safety and efficacy of such products. The emphasis of published clinical studies has depended on the quality of study design including use of randomized, double-blind, placebo-control models; strain(s) of probiotics used either singly or in combination; concentrations of the probiotics; length of treatment periods; endpoint measurements; and interpretation of the results. The aim of this webinar is to explore the validity of recommendations to practicing clinical health professionals in the use of probiotic formulations for the treatment of major human health disorders and to improve overall quality of life.
Learning objectives
The learning objectives of the presentation are as follows:
- Provide an understanding of the importance of intestinal microflora in the causation, prevention, treatment, and management of human health disorders
- Understanding the concept of probiotics
- Explore the role of probiotics in human health
- Delineate mechanisms of action of probiotics by which probiotics provide their health benefits
- Develop an understanding of the stability, purity, and specific characteristics of probiotic cultures used in the treatment of specific health disorders
- Expand on the importance of the treatment protocol including dosage (CFU), frequency, and the treatment period to achieve desired outcomes
- Understand the use of mixed cultures.
Dr Venket A Rao, MSc, PhD
Dr Rao is Professor Emeritus, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. He has established a major focus in the area of diet and health with particular emphasis on the role of intestinal microflora and dietary phytochemicals. In the area of microflora, he carried out research investigating the relationship between intestinal microflora, immune function, and endocrinology as they relate to human health disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome and psychological disorders. He has published several basic and clinical papers in peer reviewed journals in this area.
Recently he edited and published a book titled ‘Probiotics and prebiotics in human nutrition and health’ distributed by Intech Publisher. Another area of his research interest is studying the role of natural ingredients such as the phytochemicals in human health. His particular interest in this area of research is to study the role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in the causation and prevention of chronic diseases, with particular emphasis on the role of carotenoids and polyphenols in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis. He is credited for bringing international awareness to the role of lycopene in human health. Microencapsulation and surface coating of nutraceuticals, their particle sizes, stability, bioavailability, and biological activity is another area of research he has undertaken He has published over one hundred articles in scientific journals and participated in many national and international scientific conferences. He has authored and co-authored several books and book chapters directed towards human health. In addition to editing two books on ‘Lycopene and Human Health’ he has edited and published four other books: Phytochemicals: A global perspective of their role in nutrition and health; Phytochemicals as nutraceuticals; Phytochemicals – Isolation, Characterisation and Role in Human Health, and Lycopene: Global Perspective of its Role in Human Nutrition and Health.
Dr Rao has a distinguished academic career spanning over 50 years as an educator and researcher. He served as a Senior Scientific Consultant to provincial and federal government agencies and food and pharmaceutical industries globally. He is popularly sought by the international media to express his opinions on the subjects of food safety, nutrition and health.
