Consider the following statements about probiotic food: 1. Probiotic food contains live bacteria which are considered beneficial to humans. 2. Probiotic food helps in maintaining gut flora. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both statements are correct. Probiotic foods commonly include fermented foods (e.g., curd, buttermilk, pickles) that support a healthy digestive system and contain living microorganisms associated with digestive benefits [1]. Probiotics are defined as foods or supplements containing live bacteria that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit and help improve the microbial balance of the gastrointestinal tract [3]. Clinical and consumer guidance likewise states that probiotics contain live bacteria which help maintain or increase normal gut microflora, supporting digestion and overall wellbeing [2]. International agencies (FAO/WHO) have developed evaluation guidelines recognizing foods with live lactic acid bacteria and their potential health effects, reinforcing these points [4].

Sources

1. [1] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 9: Life Processes in Animals > FASCINATING FACTS > p. 127
2. [3] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1487641/full
3. [2] https://www.bjc.org/news/probiotics-and-prebiotics-what-you-need-know-balanced-gut
4. [4] https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/382476b3-4d54-4175-803f-2f26f3526256/content