UPSC Prelims 2008 Q43: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
Consider the following statements about probiotic food:
1. Probiotic food contains live bacteria which are considered beneficial to humans.
2. Probiotic food helps in maintaining gut flora.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Checking two claims about probiotic food
Probiotic foods have specific, well-documented health benefits related to live beneficial bacteria.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Contains live bacteria beneficial to humans | Correct | Probiotic foods (like yogurt, fermented products) contain live beneficial bacteria |
| 2. Helps maintain gut flora | Correct | These beneficial bacteria help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora |
Probiotic food facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Content | Live beneficial bacteria |
| Health benefit | Maintains gut flora balance |
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 (gut flora maintenance) is also correct, so '1 only' is incomplete.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 (live beneficial bacteria) is also correct, so '2 only' is incomplete.
- (c) CORRECT. Both the live bacteria content and the gut flora benefit of probiotic food are accurate.
- (d) Incorrect. Since both statements are accurate, 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
Probiotic food contains live bacteria beneficial to humans AND helps maintain gut flora — both statements are accurate, well-documented facts.
Remember
Probiotic food: contains live beneficial bacteria and helps maintain gut flora.
Common mistakes
- Assuming only one of the two closely related claims about probiotic food can be true.
- Not connecting the live bacteria content directly to the gut flora health benefit.
- Confusing probiotic foods with unrelated dietary supplements.
Exam tip
Probiotic food = live beneficial bacteria + gut flora maintenance — two closely linked, both-true facts.
Sources
- Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization — Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food (2002)
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006