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Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics--approaching a definition
1Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Federal Dairy Research Center, Kiel, Germany. schrezenmeir@bafm.de
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|February 7, 2001
Summary
This study clarifies the definition of probiotics, emphasizing that they are viable microorganisms conferring health benefits. The probiotic concept applies regardless of administration route or action site, including the gut, skin, and oral cavity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Diverse definitions of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics exist.
- Lack of a unified definition hinders research and application.
Purpose of the Study:
- Critically analyze existing definitions of pro-, pre-, and synbiotics.
- Propose a refined and unified definition for probiotics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of scientific definitions.
- Comparative analysis of proposed probiotic concepts.
Main Results:
- Probiotic effects are attributed to viable microorganisms.
- The site of action (e.g., intestine, oral cavity, skin, vagina) and administration route do not alter the probiotic classification.
Conclusions:
- A refined definition of probiotics focuses on viable microorganisms and their beneficial effects.
- The probiotic concept is broad, encompassing various body sites and administration routes.