Probiotics and prebiotics share a unique role in human
nutrition, largely centering on manipulation of populations
or activities of the bacteria that colonize our bodies.
Benefits of regular consumption of probiotics or prebiotics
include enhanced immune function, improved colonic integrity,
decreased incidence and duration of intestinal
infections, down-regulated allergic response, and improved
digestion and elimination. Research has shown
that probiotics and prebiotics may be useful in achieving
these and other positive effects, provided that proper
strain, product selection, and dosing guidelines of commercial
products are followed. There is a need to consolidate
the basic and applied research on probiotics and
prebiotics into useful tools for food and nutrition professionals.
Information on probiotic species, applications for
specific strains, dosages and forms, safety, and shelf life
is not sufficiently summarized to allow practical and
consistent recommendations to be made by most food
and nutrition professionals. In addition, prebiotic fibers—
although providing nutraceutical and nutritional value—
are a group of diverse carbohydrate ingredients that are
poorly understood in regard to their origin, fermentation
profiles, and dosages required for health effects. The science
and practice-based guidelines presented here will
enhance clinician and client understanding of probiotics
and prebiotics, with the aim of improving appropriate
recommendation and informed use of these emerging dietary
ingredients and the products containing them.