The Role of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Childhood Infection
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. In contrast, prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon. Synbiotics are the combination of probiotics and prebiotics. The rationale for the use of probiotics is mainly based on their ability to remodel microbial communities, and thereby promote growth and survival of commensal bacteria in favor over growth of pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, they exert immune-modulatory functions, influence and promote epithelial cell differentiation, proliferation and intestinal barrier function in vitro. Commercialized prebiotics have been developed to successfully mimic the prebiotic effects of human milk oligosaccharides found in human breast milk. They are used to selectively promote colonization, growth, survival and function of commensal bacteria and possibly modulate the immune system. Due to their structural differences to human milk oligosaccharides, they might lack the ability to promote further health benefits beyond their prebiotic function.
Definitions and Rational for Use
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. In contrast, prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon. Synbiotics are the combination of probiotics and prebiotics. The rationale for the use of probiotics is mainly based on their ability to remodel microbial communities, and thereby promote growth and survival of commensal bacteria in favor over growth of pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, they exert immune-modulatory functions, influence and promote epithelial cell differentiation, proliferation and intestinal barrier function in vitro. Commercialized prebiotics have been developed to successfully mimic the prebiotic effects of human milk oligosaccharides found in human breast milk. They are used to selectively promote colonization, growth, survival and function of commensal bacteria and possibly modulate the immune system. Due to their structural differences to human milk oligosaccharides, they might lack the ability to promote further health benefits beyond their prebiotic function.