Published Paper Details:

The gastrointestinal tract is a complex and dynamic ecosystem in which the interplay between anatomy, physiology, and microbiota determines digestive efficiency, immune stability, and overall systemic health. Within this environment, probiotics defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts play a central role in maintaining microbial equilibrium and intestinal integrity. This review explores the structural and physiological framework of the gut, the mechanisms of probiotic action, and their applications in promoting health and preventing disease. Probiotics exert multifaceted effects including competitive inhibition of pathogens, production of antimicrobial metabolites, modulation of immune responses, and regulation of host metabolism. Clinically, they have demonstrated benefits in managing gastrointestinal disorders, restoring microbiota following antibiotic use, enhancing nutrient absorption, and influencing neurobehavioral responses through the gut-brain axis. The paper also discusses various dosage forms used for probiotic administration such as capsules, powders, fermented foods, and advanced encapsulated systems highlighting their relative efficacy, stability, and viability. Although probiotics are generally recognized as safe, their effectiveness is highly strain and formulation dependent, emphasizing the need for standardized clinical validation and regulatory consistency. Overall, probiotics represent a promising approach in functional nutrition and preventive medicine. Future innovations integrating microencapsulation, prebiotics, and next generation microbial strains are expected to optimize targeted delivery and therapeutic outcomes, positioning probiotics as essential components of personalized healthcare.