According to Mehr News Agency, citing the Iranian Microbiology Society, Parviz Afrogh, Executive Secretary of the 26th Iranian Microbiology Congress, pointed out the important and key role of probiotics on Tuesday morning during the opening ceremony of the event and stated: Probiotics are defined as living microorganisms that, when consumed in sufficient quantities, are capable of producing significant health effects for the host. Numerous studies have shown that consuming probiotics can maintain the microbial balance of the digestive tract and help prevent and treat various disorders, including diarrhea caused by antibiotic use, irritable bowel syndrome, and some inflammatory diseases.
Emphasizing that the effect of probiotics is not limited to the intestines and digestive system, he said: New research has shown that these microorganisms can affect mental health, cognitive function, and even reduce stress and depression through the "brain-gut axis." In addition, scientific studies are expanding the connection between probiotics and the health of various organs in the body, such as the liver, heart, and skin. Such evidence has highlighted the importance of probiotics as an interdisciplinary field in medical sciences, microbiology, and nutrition.
Afrogh added: The way probiotics are consumed is very diverse. These compounds are not only available in the form of dairy products, but can also be included in the diet in the form of pharmaceutical supplements (capsules, sachets, and drops), non-dairy beverages, cereal products, and even health-oriented snacks. Thus, access to probiotics is not limited to a specific group of consumers, and a wide range of food and pharmaceutical products can carry these beneficial microorganisms.
He emphasized: Despite significant progress, the per capita consumption of probiotics in Iran is still lower than the global average. This is while leading countries in the food and pharmaceutical industries, aware of the scientific and clinical benefits of probiotics, have much higher per capita consumption and have rapidly developed the market for these products. However, domestic market surveys show that the consumption of probiotics in Iran is growing, and the increasing acceptance of these products by the medical community and consumers promises a bright future for the development of this field in the country.
Afrogh stated: Microbiological and food industry experts emphasize that investing in domestic production of probiotics and the development of diverse products can not only cover the country's needs but also provide the possibility of regional competition. Also, supporting clinical and laboratory research in universities and research centers in the country paves the way for identifying indigenous strains of probiotics and producing products based on them.
He concluded by saying: "The Iranian Microbiology Congress, as one of the most prestigious scientific events in this field, has provided a valuable opportunity to introduce the latest achievements and exchange views among experts and researchers. One of the important themes of this congress is to examine the role of probiotics and related products such as paraprobiotics and postbiotics in promoting health and reducing the burden of diseases. It is expected that these discussions will open new horizons in the country's scientific and industrial development in the field of probiotics."