What do probiotics do? Who might benefit from taking them?

Probiotics can be found naturally in fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, cabbage, peppers and more. (stock.adobe.com)

In the world of dietary supplements, vitamins and minerals are king. But just behind vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iron and magnesium exist a variety of popular supplements known as probiotics.

A 2012 National Health Interview Survey found that 4 million Americans were taking them monthly. According to more recent data, the global probiotic market size has grown considerably since then, reaching close to $60 billion nearly a decade later.