GC: n
S: NCBI – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1479485/ (last access: 15 January 2024); FAO – https://www.fao.org/3/a0512e/a0512e.pdf (last access: 15 January 2024).
N: 1. From word-forming element pro- and adjective biotic:
- pro-: word-forming element meaning “forward, forth, toward the front” (as in proclaim, proceed); “beforehand, in advance” (prohibit, provide); “taking care of” (procure); “in place of, on behalf of” (proconsul, pronoun); from Latin pro (adv., prep.) “on behalf of, in place of, before, for, in exchange for, just as,” which also was used as a first element in compounds and had a collateral form por-.
Also in some cases from cognate Greek pro “before, in front of, sooner,” which also was used in Greek as a prefix (as in problem). Both the Latin and Greek words are from PIE pro– (source also of Sanskrit pra– “before, forward, forth;” Gothic faura “before,” Old English fore “before, for, on account of,” fram “forward, from;” Old Irish roar “enough”), extended form of root per– “forward,” hence “in front of, before, toward, near,” etc.
The common modern sense of “in favor of, favoring” (pro-independence, pro-fluoridation, pro-Soviet, etc.) was not in classical Latin and is attested in English from early 19c.
- biotic (adj.): “pertaining to life,” 1847, also biotical (1847), from Latin bioticus, from Greek biotikos “pertaining to life,” from bios “life” (from PIE root gwei– “to live”). Biotic factor was in use by 1907. Related: Biotical. Biotics “science of vital functions and manifestations; powers and qualities peculiar to living organisms” (T. Sterry Hunt) is from 1882.
2. A preparation of live micro-organisms added to food (or used as animal feed), claimed to be beneficial to health by restoring microbial balance in the intestine. The organisms commonly involved are lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, streptococci, and some yeasts and moulds, alone or as mixtures.
3. Probiotics should not be confused with prebiotics, which are typically complex carbohydrates (such as inulin and other fructo-oligosaccharides) that microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract use as metabolic fuel. Commercial products containing both prebiotic sugars and probiotic organisms are often called synbiotics. In addition, products containing dead microorganisms and those made by microorganisms (such as proteins, polysaccharides, nucleotides, and peptides) are, by definition, not probiotics.
4. The most commonly consumed probiotics are species of two main genera. These genera are also the most studied of probiotics:
- This genus of bacteria is commonly used in foods and supplements. They’re thought to support the immune system, limit the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine and help break down lactose into nutrients the body can use.
- This genus of bacteria produces lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, or milk sugar. These bacteria also produce lactic acid. Lactic acid helps control the population of bad bacteria. It also serves as muscle fuel and increases the body’s absorption of minerals. Lactobacillus bacteria are found naturally in the mouth, small intestine and vagina.
S: 1. OED – https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=biotic and https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=pro (last access: 15 January 2024). 2. TERMIUM PLUS – https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=probiotic&codom2nd_wet=1#resultrecs (last access: 15 January 2024). 3. NIH – https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/ (last access: 15 January 2024). 4. HLN – https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-probiotics#benefits (last access: 15 January 2024).
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