Emerging Era of “Biotics”: Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Synbiotics

Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have all been studied with growing interest in recent decades for their health-enhancing attributes. Probiotics have been advocated as a cost-effective and secure alternative as well as an adjunct for the management of several chronic disorders and to improve overall health. They have demonstrated the ability to modulate and rehabilitate the already existing gut microflora and enhance the immunity of the host, thereby protecting against several illnesses. Bifidobacterium, Lactobacilli, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Bacillus coagulans are some of the most frequently used probiotic strains. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are the most widely used fibers that specifically support the growth of probiotics and enhance human health through nutrient enrichment, modification of gut microbiota, and immune system. Prebiotics include FOS, GOS, and Inulin. When prebiotics are combined with probiotics, they are referred to as “synbiotics,” and they have the ability to boost the viability of the probiotics. This chapter highlights the function of probiotics and prebiotics, both separately and in combination (synbiotics), in immune system modulation, infection treatment, inflammatory bowel disease management, and cancer therapy.