Using probiotics and prebiotics to improve gut health

Recent molecular-based investigations have confirmed the species diversity and metabolic complexity of the human gut microbiota. It is also increasingly clear that the human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health, both as a source of infection and environmental insult and, conversely, in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Drug Discovery Today 2003-08, Vol.8 (15), p.692-700
Main Authors: Tuohy, Kieran M, Probert, Hollie M, Smejkal, Chris W, Gibson, Glann R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Digestive System - drug effects
Digestive System Physiological Phenomena
Gastrointestinal Diseases - drug therapy
Gastrointestinal Diseases - physiopathology
gut disease
health
Humans
Medical sciences
prebiotics
probiotics
Probiotics - pharmacology
Probiotics - therapeutic use
synbiotics
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Summary:Recent molecular-based investigations have confirmed the species diversity and metabolic complexity of the human gut microbiota. It is also increasingly clear that the human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health, both as a source of infection and environmental insult and, conversely, in protection against disease and maintenance of gut function. Although little is known about the health impact of the dominant groups of gut bacteria it is generally accepted that bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are important components of what might be termed the beneficial gut microbiota. The microbiota management tools of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics have been developed and, indeed, commercialized over the past few decades with the expressed purpose of increasing numbers of bifidobacteria and/or lactobacilli within the gastrointestinal tract. A review on the efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in modulating the human gut microbiota towards improved health. Particular emphasis is laid on the scientific evidence supporting microbiota modulation in disease states such as inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer and gastrointestinal infections.
ISSN:1359-6446
1878-5832
DOI:10.1016/S1359-6446(03)02746-6