Synergistic role of prebiotics and probiotics in gut microbiome health: Mechanisms and clinical applications

Abstract

Prebiotic and probiotic usage has exploded, with most formulations promoting gastrointestinal and immunological benefits. Prebiotics modulate the gut microbiota, as a result, short-chain fatty acids are released into the bloodstream. Prebiotics have immunomodulatory properties that reduce inflammation while enhancing immune responses and boosting gut health. The potential of probiotics has shown steady expansion in the digestive system, metabolic balance, and vaginal health. Probiotics offer therapeutic and preventative strategies for a range of human diseases. The in vitro studies suggested the delivery matrix might influence their effects through physicochemical interactions with molecular and cellular structures as well as modifications in cellular expression. Dietary fibers and polyphenols both contribute significantly to human health protection and can ferment in the gut microbiota to create butyrate. This comprehensive review aims to highlight the probiotics and prebiotics, and provide evidence to support their use in preventive and therapeutic medicine. It is anticipated that it will help the clinical and preclinical research to look into the effects of inclusion and processing on their activity in different food delivery formulations. There are potential opportunities needed to enhance immunological and digestive health by comprehending and using the interaction between the gut microbiota and the immune system in our diet.

Keywords

clinical evidence / food system / health benefits / in vitro studies / prebiotic / probiotic

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2024 The Author(s). Food Bioengineering published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. on behalf of State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology.