What is the difference between a probiotic and prebiotic?
A probiotic is defined as a live microbial food supplement. It benefits an individual by improving the gut microflora. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria and Streptococcus are excellent examples of probiotic. A prebiotic is defined as non-digestible food/nutrient ingredient that benefits an individual by selectively stimulating the growth or a limited number of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) is an excellent example prebiotic because it is non-digestible by humans and helps to promote the growth of Bifidobacteria.
