Role of Probiotics in Promoting Public Health and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Probiotics, beneficial microorganisms administered in appropriate amounts, play an important role in supporting public health through multiple effects on the digestive system, immunity, and metabolism. Growing evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, improving irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and reducing the incidence of some respiratory infections in specific populations. They may also contribute to reducing the need for some chemotherapy drugs through prevention and thus reducing the burden of disease. This paper discusses the biological mechanisms of probiotics, clinical evidence, practical applications, safety, research limitations, and recommendations for future research. The paper concludes with a methodological proposal for a controlled pilot study to evaluate the effect of a specific probiotic intervention on reducing antibiotic prescriptions in patients with upper respiratory tract infections. It highlights the fundamental differences between antibiotics and probiotics in terms of molecular mechanisms, clinical efficacy, their effects on the gut microbiome, and the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The results showed that antibiotics remain the primary treatment for acute bacterial infections, but they cause widespread disruption of the microbiome and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Probiotics, while they can reduce some of the effects of antibiotics (such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea), have both immunological and peripheral mechanisms, but their limitations as an alternative treatment for acute infections are clear. Recommendations include the complementary use of probiotics, better quality controls for probiotic supplements, and continued experimental and clinical research.