Gut flora in health and disease: Potential role of probiotics

Authors

Robert A. Rastall, University of Reading
Glenn R. Gibson, University of Reading
Harsharnjit S. Gill, State Government of Victoria
Fransisco Guarner, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron
Todd R. Klaenhammer, NC State University
Bruno Pot, Institut Pasteur Lille
Gregor Reid, The University of Western Ontario
Ian R. Rowland, Ulster University
Mary Ellen Sanders, Dairy and Food Culture Technologies

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2005

Journal

FEMS Microbiology Ecology

Volume

52

Issue

2

First Page

145

Last Page

152

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1016/j.femsec.2005.01.003

Abstract

The application of probiotics and prebiotics to the manipulation of the microbial ecology of the human colon has recently seen many scientific advances. The sequencing of probiotic genomes is providing a wealth of new information on the biology of these microorganisms. In addition, we are learning more about the interactions of probiotics with human cells and with pathogenic bacteria. An alternative means of modulating the colonic microbial community is by the use of prebiotic oligosaccharides. Increasing knowledge of the metabolism of prebiotics by probiotics is allowing us to consider specifically targeting such dietary intervention tools at specific population groups and specific disease states. © 2005 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.