Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics:

1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.

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

3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3.

Step-by-step Explanation:

Analysis of Statement 1: "Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast."
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed. While bacteria (such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) are the most common probiotics, certain types of yeast, most notably Saccharomyces boulardii, are also widely used as probiotics. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.

Analysis of Statement 2: "The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut."
Many probiotic microorganisms are indeed found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi. However, they also naturally inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract. The human gut is home to a complex community of trillions of microbes, including many of the same bacterial species used in probiotic supplements. Therefore, Statement 2 is incorrect.

Analysis of Statement 3: "Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars."
Milk sugar, or lactose, requires the enzyme lactase for digestion. Probiotic bacteria, particularly lactic acid bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus, produce lactase. This enzyme helps break down lactose into simpler sugars (glucose and galactose), aiding individuals who are lactose intolerant. Therefore, Statement 3 is correct.

Conclusion: Since Statements 1 and 3 are correct, and Statement 2 is incorrect, the correct choice is 1 and 3.