Antioxidative activity of probiotics.

Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on health by exhibiting quantitative and qualitative effects on intestinal microflora and/or modification of the immune system. A strain is considered probiotic if it demonstrates a series of clinically proven health benefits. In recent years, the number of studies related to the antioxidant properties of probiotics has significantly increased. Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the degree of oxidation of molecules and cause the transformation of radicals into inactive derivatives. The incorrect or inefficient antioxidant mechanisms results in oxidative stress and may occur in the course of many diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease or damage to the heart, brain or transplanted organs. Correct functioning of antioxidant mechanisms seems to be crucial for the proper functioning of our body; therefore, probiotics should be carefully investigated for potential antioxidant properties.