Probiotics and prebiotics for your family's health

Probiotics and prebiotics for your family's health



Probiotics are beneficial bacteria which, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit as the result of their presence in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The most common type of probiotics are strains of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, which are found in yogurts and other cultured dairy products. Probiotics are also added to a variety of fortified foods and beverages and are available as dietary supplements.

Consumption of probiotics is thought to increase the number of helpful bacteria in the GI tract, while at the same time reducing (inhibiting the growth of) harmful bacteria. This function has been linked to providing a variety of health benefits.

The most widely researched health benefit is in the area of anti-diarrhoeal effects, with the strongest evidence related to their use in preventing and treating diarrhoea illnesses in children.

There is also some evidence to suggest that probiotics:

There are some major limitations with this research, however. Because there are so many strains of bacteria and the dosage can vary widely, the benefits of one strain cannot necessarily be inferred from another. Additionally, too few human trials have been done to draw any firm conclusions.


Prebiotics are nondigestible food components that stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria ('probiotics') in the colon. In other words, prebiotics are the 'food' for probiotics.

Prebiotics are found naturally in many foods in the food pyramid (e.g. whole grains, onions , bananas , garlic , honey , leeks , and artichokes) and can also be extracted from plants (e.g. inulin from chicory root). Many prebiotics are added to processed foods and beverages and are available as dietary supplements.

Although their major function is to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, certain prebiotics have been shown to increase the absorption of calcium. Furthermore, preliminary studies suggest that prebiotics may also have a favourable effect on the immune system and may reduce the risk for colorectal diseases.

Bottom line

While there is research to support the beneficial health effects of specific pre- and probiotics, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions because their benefits vary depending on the type and amount consumed, and too few human trials have been done. Future studies using more consistent methods will provide a clearer understanding of probiotics and prebiotics and their direct effect on health.

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Last revised: Saturday, 13 November 2010


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