In this presentation Gail Cresci, PhD, RD reviews how digestive health is enhanced when the gut microbiome is rich in diverse micro flora. This diversity is supported when preferred energy sources for the bacteria are available and support the viability of microbiota.
The importance of these combinations lies in the fact that a metabolic environment is created which in turns provides protection of the gut barrier, optimal immune response and normal gut function and influences on a variety of other functions including cardiovascular health, healthy weight, and mood states, to name a few positive effects.
When selected probiotics are combined and delivered with prebotics (specialized carbohydrates) they are called synbiotic as they provide synergistic effects that enhance gut health and a healthy and diverse gut microbiota. Synbiotic support allows the proliferation of healthy microbiota and, simultaneously, inhibit negative bacteria so that the gut environment can remain healthy.
Gail Cresci, RD, PhD at Nutrition Pro 2015: Synbiotic Effects and Target Uses of Probiotics.
