human health promoting functionality.
A functional synbiotic product combines probiotic and prebiotic
ingredients, which may improve the gastrointestinal tract
(GIT) function. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms, which
when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on
the host (FAO/WHO, 2001). Prebiotics are selectively fermented
ingredients that promote specific changes in the composition and/
or activity of the GIT microbiota and confer benefits to the host
(Gibson, Probert, Van Loo, Rastall, & Roberfroid, 2004).