Probiotics and Prebiotics

Definition

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.  Lactobacilli, along with species of Bifidobacterium, have historically been common probiotics. In 2020, the genus Lactobacillus underwent a major restructuring to better address the wide diversity of microbes assigned to the genus. Twenty-three new genera were defined, including some with well-studied probiotic species.

Prebiotic is defined as a selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefit(s) upon host health.

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Review Team

• Francisco Guarner (Chair, Spain)
• Mary Ellen Sanders (Co-Chair, USA)
• Hania Szajewska (Co-Chair, Poland)
• Henry Cohen (Uruguay)
• Rami Eliakim (Israel)
• Claudia Herrera (Guatemala)
• Tarkan Karakan (Turkey)
• Dan Merenstein (USA)
• Alejandro Piscoya (Peru)
• Balakrishnan Ramakrishna (India)
• Seppo Salminen (Finland)

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