USProbiotics.org

Two $50,000 Young Investigator Grants for Probiotic Research

The Global Probiotics Council has announced the fifth year of the Young Investigator Grant for Probiotics Research. The purpose of the two annual grants of $50,000 each is to contribute to the advancement of probiotics and gastrointestinal microbiota research in the United States, and to impact academic and career development of young investigators, attracting them into the field of probiotics and microbiota. Application deadline: February 15, 2012. Application procedures and additional details on the program can be found at www.probioticsresearch.com.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host (FAO 2001)."

This definition came from a consensus group of experts convened by the FAO in 2002 (PDF, page 5). Through the years, many other definitions have been suggested, but this definition from the FAO group seems the most encompassing.

Check out the latest articles and reports on probiotics In The News, in our featured Clinical Study Highlight and on our Resources page.

Why Probiotics?

Scientists are learning more each day about the role of microbes in keeping people healthy and the multitude of health benefits associated with consuming the right type and levels of probiotic microbes.

Research has suggested that probiotic bacteria can:

Help reduce the risk of certain diarrheal illnesses ^ref
Assist lactose intolerant ^ref people with lactose digestion
Enhance the immune function ^ref

Some preliminary studies also report that certain probiotics can play a role in reducing the development of allergy in children, decreasing Helicobacter pylori colonization of the stomach, helping patients cope with side effects of antibiotic therapy, managing relapse of some inflammatory bowel conditions, decreasing the risk of certain cancers, decreasing dental-caries-causing microbes in the mouth, and keeping healthy people healthy.

See Probiotics Basics for this and more.

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Probiotics, probiotic research and probiotic foods are fast growing topics as consumer awareness continues to increase. The USprobiotics.org site is a comprehensive, up-to-date resource on probiotic reseach and development and the consumer health benefits of probiotics in the United States as well as a reference for global probiotic activities. This site will give consumers, healthcare professionals and industry professionals a good background on the world of probiotics – what they are, what we know about them, and what to consider for commercial and personal use. Probiotic Documentaries Probiotic documentary, sponsored in part by CDRF, is now available on DVD. “Microwarriors. The Power of Probiotics” is the most comprehensive and up-to-date film ever produced on probiotics and their contribution to overall health and well-being. See www.microwarriorsmovie.com. New Video from Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) examining probiotics launched today. Sponsored in part by CDRF, "Germs with a Positive Attitude" features Drs. Todd Klaenhammer and Mary Ellen Sanders. Press release. See video below. CAST. Webcasts The Health Benefits of Probiotics Presented at the 37th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Physician Assistants held May 23-28, 2009. Practical Applications of Probiotics in Health and Disease Presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the American College of Nutrition held October 3, 2008. Proceedings: "Practical Applications of Probiotics in Health and Disease" Additional Webcasts, meeting transcripts and other resources are available here. Free probiotic review articles How Do We Know When Something Called "Probiotic" Is Really a Probiotic? A Guideline for Consumers and Health Care Professionals (2009) Probiotics: Their Potential to Impact Human Health (2007)	Two $50,000 Young Investigator Grants for Probiotic Research The Global Probiotics Council has announced the fifth year of the Young Investigator Grant for Probiotics Research. The purpose of the two annual grants of $50,000 each is to contribute to the advancement of probiotics and gastrointestinal microbiota research in the United States, and to impact academic and career development of young investigators, attracting them into the field of probiotics and microbiota. Application deadline: February 15, 2012. Application procedures and additional details on the program can be found at www.probioticsresearch.com. What are Probiotics? Probiotics are "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host (FAO 2001)." This definition came from a consensus group of experts convened by the FAO in 2002 (PDF, page 5). Through the years, many other definitions have been suggested, but this definition from the FAO group seems the most encompassing. Check out the latest articles and reports on probiotics In The News, in our featured Clinical Study Highlight and on our Resources page. Why Probiotics? Scientists are learning more each day about the role of microbes in keeping people healthy and the multitude of health benefits associated with consuming the right type and levels of probiotic microbes. Research has suggested that probiotic bacteria can: Help reduce the risk of certain diarrheal illnesses ^ref Assist lactose intolerant ^ref people with lactose digestion Enhance the immune function ^ref Some preliminary studies also report that certain probiotics can play a role in reducing the development of allergy in children, decreasing Helicobacter pylori colonization of the stomach, helping patients cope with side effects of antibiotic therapy, managing relapse of some inflammatory bowel conditions, decreasing the risk of certain cancers, decreasing dental-caries-causing microbes in the mouth, and keeping healthy people healthy. See Probiotics Basics for this and more.