The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic

Abstract

An expert panel was convened in October 2013 by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) to discuss the field of probiotics. It is now 13 years since the definition of probiotics and 12 years after guidelines were published for regulators, scientists and industry by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the WHO (FAO/WHO). The FAO/WHO definition of a probiotic--"live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host"--was reinforced as relevant and sufficiently accommodating for current and anticipated applications. However, inconsistencies between the FAO/WHO Expert Consultation Report and the FAO/WHO Guidelines were clarified to take into account advances in science and applications. A more precise use of the term 'probiotic' will be useful to guide clinicians and consumers in differentiating the diverse products on the market. This document represents the conclusions of the ISAPP consensus meeting on the appropriate use and scope of the term probiotic.

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Affiliated Institutions

• Western University CA
• Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille FR
• University of Southampton GB
• Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore IT
• University College Cork IE
• Institut Pasteur de Lille FR
• Georgetown University US
• Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari ES
• Lawson Health Research Institute CA
• University of Reading GB
• University of Turku FI
• University of Aberdeen GB
• University of Naples Federico II IT
• Georgetown University Medical Center US

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