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Synbiotics for Improved Human Health: Recent Developments, Challenges, and Opportunities
Janina A Krumbeck1, Jens Walter2,3, Robert W Hutkins4
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA.
Annual Review of Food Science and Technology
|January 20, 2018
Summary
Synbiotics, combining probiotics and prebiotics, show growing potential for human and animal health. This review examines clinical trials, commercial uses, and design factors for future synbiotic research.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nutrition Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Synbiotics, a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, have gained attention for health benefits.
- Recent years have seen accelerated research and clinical trials on diverse synbiotic formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on synbiotics for human and animal health.
- To assess commercial synbiotic applications and their claimed health benefits.
- To discuss factors for designing effective synbiotics and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of clinical trials and commercial synbiotic products.
- Critical assessment of health claims and design considerations.
- Analysis of ecological and therapeutic factors in synbiotic formulation.
Main Results:
- Numerous clinical trials have evaluated various synbiotic formulations.
- Commercial synbiotic products are available, with diverse claimed health benefits.
- Key ecological and therapeutic factors influence synbiotic efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Synbiotics represent a promising area for improving health in humans and animals.
- Further research is needed to optimize synbiotic design and validate health claims.
- Understanding design principles is crucial for future synbiotic development.
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