Do healthy adults really need probiotic supplements? Experts explain

Key points

• India has been consuming probiotics for centuries in forms such as dahi, buttermilk, idli, dosa and kanji, long before probiotics came in supplement form with labels.
• Probiotics are live bacteria that support gut health.
• Harvard Health describes it as “ gut-beneficial bacteria that create a physical barrier against unfriendly bacteria.” The demand for dietary supplements and foods high in gut health has increased as studies have highlighted a connection between gut health and improvements in immunity that may reduce the risk of certain diseases.
• Read Full Story Since probiotic capsules or pills also promise to have live microorganisms (microbes) that are supposed to give health benefits, the demand is largely driven by awareness about gut health.
• In India, the probiotic supplement industry is now worth billions;