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Review Article | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2578-8949/184
Food Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Egypt.
*Corresponding Author: © 2025, Fahim Aziz Eldin Shaltout. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of The Creative Commons. Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and sour
Citation: Eldin Shaltout FA, (2025), Please let us know what are the Prebiotics and Probiotics and their effect on public Health, Dermatology and Dermatitis, 12(1); DOI:10.31579/2578-8949/184
Copyright: © 2025, Fahim Aziz Eldin Shaltout. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of The Creative Commons. Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Received: 24 January 2025 | Accepted: 05 February 2025 | Published: 26 February 2025
Keywords: human gut; gut microbiota; prebiotics; probiotics
The human gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota. These microorganisms play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even the regulation of mood and metabolism. Prebiotics and probiotics are two key components that significantly influence the health and composition of the gut microbiota. While prebiotics are substances that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that can provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.
Benefits of Prebiotics and Probiotics for Specific Health Conditions, Cardiovascular Health, both prebiotics and probiotics may have cardiovascular benefits. Probiotics can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve arterial function (1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7). Prebiotics, by improving gut microbial composition, may also reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation (8,9,10,11,12,13 and 14). Potential Risks of Prebiotics and Probiotics, while both prebiotics and probiotics are generally considered safe for most people, there are some potential risks as Probiotics: In some individuals, especially those with compromised immune systems, probiotics may cause infections (15,16,17,18,19,20 and 21). Additionally, some strains of probiotics can produce gas or bloating in sensitive individuals. Prebiotics: Excessive intake of prebiotics can lead to digestive discomfort, including bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea (22,23,24,25,26,27 and 28). It is important to gradually increase the intake of prebiotics to allow the gut microbiota to adapt (29,30,31,32,33,34 and 35).
Prebiotic:
Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms in the gut (36,37,38,39,40,41 and 42). They are primarily types of fiber that are resistant to digestion in the stomach and small intestine but can be fermented by the bacteria in the colon (43,44,45,46,47,48 and 49). Mechanism of Action as follow Prebiotics work by serving as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria, including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. These bacteria ferment prebiotics into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which are crucial for maintaining gut health (50,51,52,53,54,55 and 56). Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) help to lower the pH of the colon, creating an environment that inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria and promotes overall gut health (57,58,59 ,60,61,63 and 64). Sources of Prebiotics, Prebiotics are found in various foods, particularly those rich in fiber, such as Fruits as Bananas, apples, and berries (65,66,67,68,69,70 and 71). Vegetables as Onions, garlic, leeks, and asparagus. Whole Grains as Oats, barley, and wheat. Legumes as Beans, lentils, and chickpeas (72,73,74,75,76,77 and 78).
Probiotics:
Probiotics are live microorganisms, most commonly bacteria or yeasts, which, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the human (79,80,81,82,83,84,85 and 86). They are often referred to as “good bacteria” because they help maintain the balance of gut microbiota and improve gut health (87,88,89,90,91,92 and 93). Mechanism of Action as follow Probiotics exert their effects by colonizing the gut and competing with harmful bacteria for nutrients and space. They can also produce substances such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins, which inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria (94,95,96,97,98,99 and 100). Additionally, probiotics can modulate the immune system and improve the integrity of the intestinal lining. Sources of Probiotics as Probiotics are found in fermented foods, including Yogurt and kefir (101,102,103,104,105,106 and 107). Probiotics can also be consumed through dietary supplements in capsule, tablet, or powder form (108,109,110,111,112,113 and 114). The Role of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Gut Health by Gut Microbiale Composition, The balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut is crucial for overall health (115,116,117,118, 119, 120 and 121). Prebiotics and probiotics both help to maintain this balance by Prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria by providing them with essential nutrients. Probiotics directly introduce beneficial microorganisms to the gut, enhancing the overall diversity and function of the microbiota (129,130,131,132,133,134 and 135). A healthy gut microbiota supports various physiological functions, including digestion, immune function, and even the production of certain vitamins and neurotransmitters (136,137,138,139,140,141 and 142). Digestive Health by Both prebiotics and probiotics have been shown to improve digestive health. Probiotics help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea, and protect against inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Prebiotics, by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, help improve bowel regularity and reduce constipation (150,151,152,153,154,155 and 156). Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by prebiotics and probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties and strengthen the intestinal barrier, reducing the permeability of the gut lining and preventing conditions like leaky gut syndrome (157,158,159, 160,161,162 and 163). Immune System Support by Probiotics and Immunity, Probiotics have a well-documented role in modulating the immune system. They help to enhance the production of certain antibodies, such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), and promote the activity of immune cells like macrophages and T lymphocytes. Probiotics also strengthen the intestinal barrier, preventing harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream and triggering inflammatory responses (143,144,145,146,147,148 and 149). Prebiotics and Immunity,Prebiotics can also modulate the immune system by influencing the gut microbiota. By promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, prebiotics help in maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier and preventing the activation of harmful inflammatory responses. SCFAs produced by the fermentation of prebiotics have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and to enhance the body’s natural defense mechanisms (122,123,124,125,126,127 and 128). Mental Health and the Gut-Brain Axis,a strong connection between gut health and mental health, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. The gut microbiota produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, which plays a key role in regulating mood and behavior. Probiotics and Mental Health, Probiotics may have a positive impact on mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress (165,166,167,168,169,170 and 171). Probiotics can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression by influencing the gut-brain axis. They may also reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are associated with mental health disorders. Prebiotics and Mental Health, Prebiotics also play a role in enhancing mood and cognitive function (160,161,162,163,164 and 165). By fostering a healthy gut microbiota, prebiotics help regulate the production of neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin. SCFAs, particularly butyrate, produced from the fermentation of prebiotics, have been shown to influence brain function and reduce the impact of stress and anxiety (172,173,174,175,176,177 and 178). Cardiovascular Health, Emerging evidence suggests that prebiotics and probiotics may benefit cardiovascular health by influencing factors like cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation. Probiotics and Cardiovascular Health as foollow Certain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure in clinical trials (179,180,181,182,183,184 and 185). Probiotics may also reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory markers, which are linked to cardiovascular diseases. Prebiotics and Cardiovascular Health: Prebiotics like inulin can promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve lipid profiles. Obesity and Metabolic Disorders, Prebiotics and probiotics may have a role in managing obesity and related metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes (186,187,188,189,190,191 and 192).
Probiotics may help manage obesity by altering gut microbiota composition, reducing inflammation, and improving insulin sensitivity. Prebiotics in Obesity: Prebiotics like inulin can help regulate appetite, improve fat metabolism, and reduce the risk of developing metabolic diseases by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria that are involved in energy regulation.
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