The idea that probiotics may provide health benefits has been explored for over 100 years; however, the concept of taking a probiotic as a daily dietary supplement has gained momentum only recently. Data show that as many as 4 million adults take a probiotic in the United States, making probiotics some of the most widely used supplements. The most commonly found bacteria in daily probiotics are currently Bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, and bacilli coagulans, with saccharomyces boulardii as the most common yeast.

Probiotics have been used primarily to promote healthy digestion and help curb bothersome digestive symptoms that can accompany chronic conditions such as Crohn