Tag: Inactivated probiotics

Recent research demonstrates that beneficial microorganisms don't need to be alive to provide health benefits to their hosts. This is the central idea behind paraprobiotics, also known as inactivated probiotic cells, which offer a promising new frontier in nutritional and therapeutic applications.

The official definition of a probiotic refers to 'live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host'. However, recent scientific findings challenge this strict requirement, suggesting that some inactivated (or dead) cultures can also provide health benefits.

According to a 2017 report, the global market for probiotic supplements was estimated at $3.7 billion in 2016 and projected to reach $17.4 billion by 2027, highlighting their growing popularity. This surge in interest has led many to question: **What is the meaning of live probiotics?**