Q. Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics:

Explanation : 

The correct statements in respect of probiotics are 1 and 3.

Let’s break down each statement:

1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.

This statement is correct. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. They can be composed of bacteria, yeast, or both. The most common types of bacteria used as probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while Saccharomyces boulardii is an example of a yeast that is sometimes used as a probiotic.

2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.

This statement is incorrect. Many of the organisms used in probiotics are similar to or the same as microorganisms that naturally live in our bodies, particularly in the digestive tract (gut). Our gut microbiota includes a wide variety of bacteria, some of which are the same or similar to those found in probiotic products. Probiotics are often called “good” or “friendly” bacteria because they help keep the gut healthy.

3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.

This statement is correct. One of the benefits of certain probiotics is that they can help in the digestion of lactose, which is the sugar found in milk. Some people are lactose intolerant, meaning they have difficulty digesting lactose due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase. Certain probiotic strains, such as those from the Lactobacillus family, can produce lactase and therefore help in the digestion of lactose, reducing the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Therefore, the correct answer is that statements 1 and 3 are correct.