Modulation of the microbial ecology of the human colon by probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics to enhance human health: an overview of enabling science and potential applications.
The application of probiotics and prebiotics to the manipulation of the microbial ecology of the human colon has recently seen many scientific advances. The sequencing of probiotic genomes is providing a wealth of new information on the biology of these microorganisms. In addition, we are learning more about the interactions of probiotics with human cells and with pathogenic bacteria. An alternative means of modulating the colonic microbial community is by the use of prebiotic oligosaccharides. Increasing knowledge of the metabolism of prebiotics by probiotics is allowing us to consider specifically targeting such dietary intervention tools at specific population groups and specific disease states.
Rastall
Robert A
RA
School of Food Biosciences, The University of Reading, PO Box 226, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AP, UK. r.a.rastall@reading.ac.uk
Gibson
Glenn R
GR
Gill
Harsharnjit S
HS
Guarner
Fransisco
F
Klaenhammer
Todd R
TR
Pot
Bruno
B
Reid
Gregor
G
Rowland
Ian R
IR
Sanders
Mary Ellen
ME
D003106:Colon / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control; D006801:Humans; D019936:Probiotics / Q000737:chemistry / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use