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This report shows the level of scientific consensus on definition, characteristics and health benefits of probiotics. The content of the report has derived from the scientific meeting: Workshop on Probiotics and Health. Scientific evidence, that congregated several Spanish experts, including gastroenterologists, microbiologists, nutritionists, immunologists and food technologists, among others, who have agreed with the statements shown in this document. Each statement has been sustained with the most relevant scientific aspects that were discussed during the Workshop and the following evaluation of the report by all experts who approved and signed it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent scientific studies show that gut microbiota may play an important role in the modulation of the body weight of the host. Objective: The aim of this article is to present an updated review of the scientific literature dealing with the potential roles of the gut microbiota and probiotics on the body weight of the host, including the predisposition to and prevention of overweight and obesity. Results and conclusions: The use of probiotics in different growth stages, both in human and animal hosts, is usually associated to a beneficial effect to the host's health. Admittedly, benefits associated to growth do not necessarily imply an increase in the adipose tissue or a predisposition to overweight or obesity. At present, the data that link the presence of specific gut microbial groups with obesity are controversial since it is unknown if they represent a cause or a consequence of obesity-associated diets and/or any other factor related to the pathogenesis of this condition. Studies dealing with the modulation of the gut microbiota to prevent or control obesity in the host, including the use of probiotics, are promising. In fact, probiotic intake in the mother-infant context might contribute to the control of the adult body weight by modulating the infant gut microbiota. However, well-designed randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials are required to demonstrate the efficacy of specific probiotic strains for prevention or treatment of overweight and obesity. In the frame of the current obesity pandemics, use of probiotic strains with scientifically-substantiated properties against obesity risk factors may constitute a future approach, complementary to changes in diet and life style, for the modulation of the body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

months of life, reaching the state of mature microbiota when the child is around two years old. Even so, diet, lifestyle, antibiotic consumption or the aging process will determine changes in its composition and, as a consequence, the possibility of suffering chronic non-communicable diseases. Currently, there is sufficient scientific evidence to strengthen the importance of diet for the establishment, structure and functional activity of the gut microbiota, as well as many studies that demonstrate the role of diet in certain diseases through its effects on microbial communities of the gut. Modulation of the gut microbiota through dietary intervention is an emerging therapeutic and preventive strategy for many conditions. Probiotics and prebiotics may also be effective for restoration of beneficial bacteria and microbiota diversity capable to shift from disease to health promoting states.

This report shows the level of scientific consensus on definition, characteristics and health benefits of probiotics. The content of the report has derived from the scientific meeting: Workshop on Probiotics and Health. Scientific evidence, that congregated several Spanish experts, including gastroenterologists, microbiologists, nutritionists, immunologists and food technologists, among others, who have agreed with the statements shown in this document. Each statement has been sustained with the most relevant scientific aspects that were discussed during the Workshop and the following evaluation of the report by all experts who approved and signed it.

Artificial nutrition is a modern technique enjoying a great boom of late. Regulations on the use of important clinical and technological advances in connection with nutritional support in certain groups of patients represent one of the ethical problems most often posed in daily medical practice. Terminal patient and those with irreversible neurological damage are population groups at risk of these ethical problems when it comes to the prescription, withdrawal or omission of artificial nourishment and hydration. The establishment of certain guidelines in order to resolve the ethical problems arising seems to be a complex process. So far, no consensus has been reached among doctors, with no clear legal framework and no universally accepted ethical principles. It is necessary to ensure the consideration of all the circumstances and parties coming into conflict in order to find the best solution for all concerned by means of shared decision-making.