The Mechanistic Perspectives of Functional Foods: Probiotics and Prebiotics: A Focus on Colon Cancer and Human Health

Cancer, a prevalent disease worldwide, is often caused by genetic and epigenetic changes. Functional foods, especially probiotics and prebiotics, offer promising therapeutic potential for cancer prevention and treatment by modulating the gut microbiota and enhancing host immune responses. This review examines the mechanistic perspectives of functional foods, focusing on their role in colon cancer and overall human health. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, enhance gut health by colonizing the intestinal tract, stabilizing microflora, and promoting immune homeostasis. Prebiotics, including inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides, support beneficial gut bacteria and improve mineral absorption, thus contributing to cancer prevention. The synergistic effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and nutraceuticals, which are rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and terpenoids, are discussed in the context of cancer therapy. In addition, the role of postbiotics, such as short-chain fatty acids and exopolysaccharides, is investigated in promoting apoptosis and reducing tumour growth. The review highlights the need for continued research to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms and optimize the therapeutic use of functional foods in cancer therapy care, emphasizing their potential to improve treatment outcomes and the patient’s quality of life.