22 July 2015 | Kavita. R. Pandey, Suresh. R. Naik, Babu. V. Vakil
This review article discusses the health benefits of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, which have been extensively studied in recent decades. Probiotics are live non-pathogenic microorganisms that beneficially affect the host's health by altering and restoring the intestinal flora. Commonly used probiotic strains include Bifidobacterium, Lactobacilli, S. boulardii, and B. coagulans. Prebiotics, such as FOS, GOS, XOS, and inulin, are non-digestible fibers that promote the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora. Synbiotics, combinations of prebiotics and probiotics, enhance the viability and survival of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract. The review highlights the roles of these components in improving intestinal function, immune modulation, cancer prevention, and the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. It also discusses additional health benefits, including the prevention of diarrhea, constipation, and the alleviation of symptoms in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD). The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of probiotics and the need for further research to establish health claims and improve the formulation of probiotic products.This review article discusses the health benefits of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, which have been extensively studied in recent decades. Probiotics are live non-pathogenic microorganisms that beneficially affect the host's health by altering and restoring the intestinal flora. Commonly used probiotic strains include Bifidobacterium, Lactobacilli, S. boulardii, and B. coagulans. Prebiotics, such as FOS, GOS, XOS, and inulin, are non-digestible fibers that promote the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora. Synbiotics, combinations of prebiotics and probiotics, enhance the viability and survival of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract. The review highlights the roles of these components in improving intestinal function, immune modulation, cancer prevention, and the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. It also discusses additional health benefits, including the prevention of diarrhea, constipation, and the alleviation of symptoms in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD). The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of probiotics and the need for further research to establish health claims and improve the formulation of probiotic products.