What is the difference between Probiotics and Prebiotics (Oligo)?
Probiotics: It refers to the use of micro organisms in a positive way to benefit health. They are friendly bacteria (namely Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) orally ingested in specially designed foods that are variously called nutraceuticals, functional foods or FoSHUs (Foods for Specified Health Uses). An example is the way some people ingest bacteria in live yoghurt to enhance their intestinal flora and so aid digestion. Such harmless bacteria colonies are also being introduced into various environments to take up available resources and prevent harmful ones multiplying, a technique known as competitive exclusion. For example, a recent proposal to maintain healthy teeth involves populating the mouth with harmless bacteria that prevent those which cause decay from gaining foothold. Prebiotics: Prebiotics are defined as non digestible food ingredient that has beneficial affects on the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or the activity of a limited number of good bacteria in
