Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Probiotics

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...

Development of Human Microbiota

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...

Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine

Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine

The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Faecal Attraction: 40 Years of Research in Gut Microbiology.

Nutrition bulletin·2026

Same author

Associations Between the Gut Microbiota and Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Journal of aging research·2026

Same author

Gut microbiota-targeted dietary supplementation with fermentable fibers and polyphenols prevents hypobaric hypoxia-induced increases in intestinal permeability.

American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology·2025

Same author

An <i>in vitro</i> batch culture study to assess the fermentation of human milk oligosaccharides by faecal microbiota from healthy and irritable bowel syndrome stool donors.

Gut microbiome (Cambridge, England)·2025

Same author

Assessing the gut microbiota composition in older adults: connections to physical activity and healthy ageing.

GeroScience·2025

Same author

Author Correction: Classifying compounds as prebiotics - scientific perspectives and recommendations.

Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

Published on: July 31, 2019

Prebiotics as gut microflora management tools.

Glenn R Gibson¹

¹Food Microbial Sciences Unit, Department of Food Biosciences, The University of Reading, Reading, UK. g.r.gibson@reading.ac.uk

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology

|June 11, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Functional foods like probiotics and prebiotics are popular dietary additions that benefit gut health. They promote beneficial gut bacteria and aid in managing gastrointestinal disorders.

More Related Videos

Applying Advanced In Vitro Culturing Technology to Study the Human Gut Microbiota

Applying Advanced In Vitro Culturing Technology to Study the Human Gut Microbiota

Published on: February 15, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

Published on: July 31, 2019

Applying Advanced In Vitro Culturing Technology to Study the Human Gut Microbiota

Applying Advanced In Vitro Culturing Technology to Study the Human Gut Microbiota

Published on: February 15, 2019

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Nutrition Science
Gastroenterology

Background:

Functional foods are increasingly popular for health improvement.
Probiotics (live microbes) and prebiotics (food for microbes) are key functional ingredients.
Gut microbiota modulation is crucial for digestive health.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the role of functional foods, specifically probiotics and prebiotics.
To highlight their impact on gut microbiota composition.
To discuss their application in managing gastrointestinal disorders.

Main Methods:

Literature review of scientific and lay reports on probiotics and prebiotics.
Analysis of their mechanisms in altering gut microbiota.
Examination of their prophylactic effects on gut conditions.

Main Results:

Probiotics and prebiotics increase beneficial gut bacteria populations (e.g., lactobacilli, bifidobacteria).
These interventions modulate gut microbiota composition.
They demonstrate a role in preventing conditions like gastroenteritis and inflammatory diseases.

Conclusions:

Probiotics and prebiotics are significant functional foods for enhancing gut health.
Their ability to modify gut microbiota offers prophylactic benefits for gastrointestinal disorders.
Continued research supports their role in consumer health and wellness.