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Synbiotics

A product that contains both probiotics and prebiotics is called synbiotic. Prebiotics are usually in the form of oligosaccharides - fructooligosaccharides (FOSs), inulin, galactooligosaccharides (GOSs) whereas probiotics are live organisms mainly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium

What are the effects of Synbiotics?

Synbiotics play an important role in preventing gastrointestinal illness by maintaining normal gut flora and allowing the growth of beneficial bacteria that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Probiotics are live useful bacteria whereas prebiotics is carbohydrates that are not digested and help for the growth of probiotic bacteria.

What are the uses of Synbiotics?

There is evidence that combined prebiotics and probiotics help in preventing allergic diseases in pregnant women and their infants. There are increased counts of bifidobacteria as well as lactobacilli in stools which help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

How safe are Synbiotics?

To date, prebiotic and probiotic combinations seem to be safe for healthy infants and children and no side effects have been reported. However, more studies are required to confirm the same.

References

1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; World Health Organization. Guidelines for the evaluation of probiotics in food: joint FAO/WHO Working Group report on drafting guidelines for the evaluation of probiotics in food. Available at: ftp://ftp.fao.org/es/esn/food/wgreport2.pdf. Accessed October 1, 2010.
2. Thomas DW, Greer FR; American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition; American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Probiotics and prebiotics in pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2010 Dec;126(6):1217-31.
3. Matsuzaki T, Takagi A, Ikemura H, Matsuguchi T, Yokokura T. Intestinal microflora: probiotics and autoimmunity. J Nutr. 2007;137(3 suppl 2):798S-802S.
4. Kukkonen K, Savilahti E, Haahtela T, et al. Probiotics and prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides in the prevention of allergic diseases: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007;119(1):192-198.
5. Boehm G, Lidestri M, Casetta P, et al. Supplementation of a bovine milk formula with an oligosaccharide mixture increases counts of faecal bifidobacteria in preterm infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2002;86(3):F178-F181.
6. Moro G, Minoli I, Mosca M, et al. Dosage-related bifidogenic effects of galacto- and fructooligosaccharides in formula-fed term infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2002;34(3):291-295.
7. Agostoni C, Axelsson I, Braegger C, et al. Probiotic bacteria in dietetic products for infants: a commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2004;38(4):365-374.