Probiotics and Prebiotics

Abstract Probiotics and prebiotics have gained attention due to accumulating evidence supporting the beneficial effects of probiotics/prebiotics on various diseases. Intestinal microbiota composition in adult patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) has shown lower concentrations of many bacterial strands found in higher concentrations in healthy adults. Regarding the role of probiotics and prebiotics in the gut microflora maintenance, their effects to decrease bacterial overgrowth and prevent bacterial translocation in SBS are of interest. Certain probiotic strains have been extensively investigated to ascertain the impact on lactose intolerance, diarrhea and constipation, and maintenance of gut microbial balance to name a few. Prebiotics, most of which are carbohydrate compounds, have been explored with abundant interest due to their beneficial functions to host. Indeed, this field is under immense growth and the potential benefit with the use of pre- and probiotics is not fully understood in those with SBS.