, probiotics are
substances produced by microorganisms that promote the
growth of other microorganisms. However, the widely
adopted definition states probiotics as "live microorganisms"
which when administered in adequate amounts confer
a health benefit on the host^ (FAO/WHO 2001). There are two
more essential terms to know, prebiotics and synbiotics.
Prebiotics are defined as the indigestible food ingredients that
promote the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria, thereby
benefiting the host. Synbiotics are combinations of probiotics
and prebiotics that are designed to improve the survival of the
ingested microorganisms and their colonization of the intestinal
tract (de Vrese and Schrezenmeir 2008).