Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Probiotics01:22

Probiotics

231
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...
231
Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

104
Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity,...
104
Microbes in the Production of Fermented Foods01:27

Microbes in the Production of Fermented Foods

248
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and molds are instrumental in fermenting plant-based foods to enhance preservation and ensure year-round availability. These microbial processes convert plant carbohydrates into organic acids and other metabolites that inhibit spoilage organisms and contribute to the sensory qualities of the final product.In sauerkraut production, cabbage goes through a microbial succession that starts with cocci such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides. These microbes begin fermentation by...
248
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

50
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...
50
Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

90
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...
90
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

1.4K
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
1.4K

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by
Same author

Immunonutrition in Early Life: The Role of Complementary Feeding, Dietary Patterns, and Nutritional Exposures on the Health of Young Children-An EAACI Scoping Review.

Allergy·2026
Same author

Beyond current fibre recommendations: associations of high dietary fibre intake with inflammation and lipid profile in US adults (NHANES 2015-2018).

The British journal of nutrition·2026
Same author

ElucidatiNg Immunosuppressant pharmacokinetic variabilities by investigating Gut Microbiome modulations After kidney transplantation (ENIGMA): study protocol of a prospective longitudinal trial.

BMJ open·2026
Same author

Characterization of changes in the gut microbiota associated with eating disorders.

Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)·2026
Same author

Link between ultra-processed foods and drinks intake, gut microbiota and inflammation: an exploratory analysis in adult volunteers.

Nutrition journal·2026
Same author

The Effects of a Powdered Meal Replacement on Inflammation, Gut Microbiota, and Metabolism in People With Excess Body Weight-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The Journal of nutrition·2026
Same journal

Advancing liver health in a shifting global landscape.

Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology·2026
Same journal

The mesenteric model of abdominal anatomy.

Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology·2026
Same journal

Regional organization of nutrient absorption across the small intestine.

Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology·2026
Same journal

Engineering immune cell therapies for inflammatory bowel disease: from stem cells to CAR T cells.

Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology·2026
Same journal

Actin cytoskeletal dynamics in hepatic myofibroblasts and fibrosis.

Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology·2026
Same journal

Synthetic data generation: challenges and perspectives for gastrointestinal medicine.

Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Novel Production Protocol for Small-scale Manufacture of Probiotic Fermented Foods
08:38

Novel Production Protocol for Small-scale Manufacture of Probiotic Fermented Foods

Published on: September 10, 2016

25.5K

Towards a more comprehensive concept for prebiotics.

Laure B Bindels1, Nathalie M Delzenne1, Patrice D Cani1

  • 1Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Emmanuel Mounier, 73, B1.73.11, 1200-Brussels, Belgium.

Nature Reviews. Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|April 1, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The current definition of prebiotics may need revision. New research suggests focusing on the gut microbiota's ecological and functional traits for better health outcomes.

More Related Videos

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
09:49

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation

Published on: October 31, 2019

23.5K
Author Spotlight: Process Development for the Spray-Drying of Probiotic Bacteria and Evaluation of the Product Quality
05:45

Author Spotlight: Process Development for the Spray-Drying of Probiotic Bacteria and Evaluation of the Product Quality

Published on: April 7, 2023

4.6K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Novel Production Protocol for Small-scale Manufacture of Probiotic Fermented Foods
08:38

Novel Production Protocol for Small-scale Manufacture of Probiotic Fermented Foods

Published on: September 10, 2016

25.5K
Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
09:49

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation

Published on: October 31, 2019

23.5K
Author Spotlight: Process Development for the Spray-Drying of Probiotic Bacteria and Evaluation of the Product Quality
05:45

Author Spotlight: Process Development for the Spray-Drying of Probiotic Bacteria and Evaluation of the Product Quality

Published on: April 7, 2023

4.6K

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health, leading to interest in modulation strategies like prebiotics.
  • Prebiotics are typically defined as selectively fermented, nondigestible food ingredients supporting beneficial gut bacteria growth.
  • Advances in diet-microbiome-host interactions challenge the 'selective' or 'specific' effect requirement in the current prebiotic concept.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge and propose a revision of the current definition of prebiotics.
  • To shift the focus towards ecological and functional aspects of the gut microbiota relevant to host physiology.
  • To provide a more rational framework for identifying prebiotic compounds and realizing their therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

  • This is a perspective piece, not an experimental study.
  • It involves a critical review of existing literature and concepts.
  • Proposes a revised conceptual framework for prebiotics based on current scientific understanding.

Main Results:

  • The current definition of prebiotics, emphasizing selectivity, may be too narrow.
  • Diet-microbiome-host interactions suggest broader impacts of prebiotic compounds.
  • A revised concept focusing on ecological and functional outcomes is proposed.

Conclusions:

  • The concept of prebiotics requires revision to align with current knowledge of diet-microbiome-host interactions.
  • Shifting focus to ecological and functional features will enhance the identification and application of prebiotic compounds.
  • This revised framework will better facilitate the therapeutic use of gut microbiota modulation.