[Probiotics--from empirical medicine to therapeutic standard].

Due to the lack of proven efficacy and an unidentified mode of action, probiotics were dismissed by the traditional medical sector for many years. In the meantime, the clinical efficacy of some probiotics has clearly been substantiated in GCP-compliant studies. In addition, modes of action have been demonstrated which prove the effects of probiotics on a cellular level and replace the concept of "restoring the disturbed intestinal microbial balance". Different probiotics have distinct modes of action and the clinical efficacy of various probiotics has been proven in distinct indications. Today, some probiotics represent therapeutic standards in certain indications.