Question
Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics:
1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.
2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.
3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer: (c) 1 and 3
Statement 1 is correct: Probiotics combine live beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) and therapeutic yeasts (Saccharomyces boulardii).
Statement 2 is incorrect: These organisms are not exclusive to food — billions of probiotic bacteria occur naturally as part of the human gut microbiota, as well as in the mouth and on the skin.
Statement 3 is correct: Probiotic strains produce the enzyme β-galactosidase (lactase), which breaks lactose into glucose and galactose — helping lactose-intolerant individuals digest milk sugars.