Probiotic and Prebiotic Nutrition

Non-pathogenic organisms (yeast or bacteria, particularly lactic acid bacteria) found in foods can have a beneficial effect on the host's health. Live microorganisms in food or as a supplement are thought to improve the microbial balance of the digestive tract. Fermented dairy products like yoghurt and buttermilk are the most prevalent sources of probiotics. Probiotic therapy isn't a new concept; it's been around for almost a century.

Prebiotics are a type of nutrition that the gut bacteria degrade. In recent years, their association with human overall health has piqued people's interest. They can support the intestinal flora, and their breakdown products are short-chain fatty acids that are discharged into the bloodstream, impacting not just the GI tracts but also distant organs. Beneficial intestine microorganisms ferment non-digestible dietary compounds known as prebiotics and get their energy by decomposing indigestible prebiotic bonds. As a result, prebiotics have the ability to impact the gut microbiota selectively.