Probiotics and prebiotics are microbiota management tools that improve host health by targeting the gastrointestinal tract. They have been shown to modulate the gut microbiota and its functions, with mechanisms including immune modulation, production of organic acids, interaction with resident microbiota, and improvement of gut barrier function. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces, have a long history of safe and effective use, while newer strains like Roseburia and Akkermansia show promise. Prebiotics, such as glucans and fructans, are substrates that selectively benefit host microorganisms and have been shown to improve health outcomes, including defence against pathogens, immune modulation, and metabolic effects. Prebiotics are also effective in improving bowel function, mineral absorption, and satiety. They can influence the gut microbiota in various ways, including reducing pathogen growth and enhancing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have beneficial effects on gut health and systemic metabolism. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in health and disease, with dysbiosis linked to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and irritable bowel syndrome. Prebiotics and probiotics have the potential to modulate the microbiota to reduce disease risk and improve health outcomes. In clinical settings, certain probiotic strains have been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and Helicobacter pylori infection. Prebiotic interventions have also shown benefits in improving bowel function and reducing the risk of infections. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and to develop effective, evidence-based interventions. The future of probiotics and prebiotics in clinical practice depends on further research to understand their mechanisms, optimize their use, and ensure their safety and efficacy. The potential of these interventions to improve human health and reduce disease risk is significant, but their application requires careful consideration of the microbiome's complex interactions with the host.Probiotics and prebiotics are microbiota management tools that improve host health by targeting the gastrointestinal tract. They have been shown to modulate the gut microbiota and its functions, with mechanisms including immune modulation, production of organic acids, interaction with resident microbiota, and improvement of gut barrier function. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces, have a long history of safe and effective use, while newer strains like Roseburia and Akkermansia show promise. Prebiotics, such as glucans and fructans, are substrates that selectively benefit host microorganisms and have been shown to improve health outcomes, including defence against pathogens, immune modulation, and metabolic effects. Prebiotics are also effective in improving bowel function, mineral absorption, and satiety. They can influence the gut microbiota in various ways, including reducing pathogen growth and enhancing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have beneficial effects on gut health and systemic metabolism. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in health and disease, with dysbiosis linked to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and irritable bowel syndrome. Prebiotics and probiotics have the potential to modulate the microbiota to reduce disease risk and improve health outcomes. In clinical settings, certain probiotic strains have been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and Helicobacter pylori infection. Prebiotic interventions have also shown benefits in improving bowel function and reducing the risk of infections. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and to develop effective, evidence-based interventions. The future of probiotics and prebiotics in clinical practice depends on further research to understand their mechanisms, optimize their use, and ensure their safety and efficacy. The potential of these interventions to improve human health and reduce disease risk is significant, but their application requires careful consideration of the microbiome's complex interactions with the host.