Probiotics in Perspective Fergus Shanahan  Gastroenterology  Volume 139, Issue 6, Pages 1808-1812 (December 2010) DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.10.025 Copyright © 2010 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 Mechanisms of probiotic action: within the lumen, at the mucosal surface, and by stimulation of innate and acquired immunity. The predominant mechanism varies among different probiotic strains and is dependent on the clinical indication. Gastroenterology 2010 139, 1808-1812DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2010.10.025) Copyright © 2010 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions

Figure 2 Importance of biodiversity within the gut. In contrast to a low microbial diversity, a high microbial biodiversity provides optimal input to the developing digestive and immune systems and maximal competitive advantage against potential pathogenic challenge. Gastroenterology 2010 139, 1808-1812DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2010.10.025) Copyright © 2010 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions