The role of probiotics in the modulation of intestinal microbiota in lactose intolerance

Abstract

Lactose intolerance is one of the most common eating disorders. People affected by this disorder cannot digest large amounts of lactose due to the genetically low expression of the lactase enzyme. The human gut microbiota consists of the majority of diverse microbial communities that affect intestinal health, immunological balance and also metabolize lactose. One of the methods to combat this disorder is the use of probiotics. Probiotic microorganisms are contained in large quantities in live fermented milk products, which are used as functional food products all over the world because of their beneficial effects on human health. In addition, there are low lactose/lactose free fermented milk products on the world market, which, in addition to having a positive effect on the human body, contribute to the breakdown and reduction of the amount of lactose, thereby helping to tolerate lactose more easily. This review focuses on important developments that can neutralize the adverse effect of lactase on human health when consuming dairy products.