Synbiotic Dr. Bhavesh Patel (M.Sc., Ph.D.) Principal V.P. and R.P.T.P. Science College Vallabh Vidyanagar –

Synbiotic Probiotic Prebiotic Synbiotic “ Synbiotic is a supplement that contains both a Prebiotic and Probiotic that work together to improve the friendly flora of human intestine. A synbiotic product is therefore considered as Functional food”

Probiotic (for life) The food that contains live microorganisms that are beneficial to the host by improving its intestinal microbial balance. Organisms that are commonly used as Probiotic are:- Lactobacillus acidophilus, L.casei, L.bulgaricus, L.plantarum, Lactococcus lactis, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacter bifidum, B.adolescentis, B.animalis, B.infantis

Probiotic (History) Henry Tissier from Pasteur institute was the first to isolate bifidobacterium. He isolated the bacterium from breast fed infant named it as Bacillus bifidus communis. Later named as Bifidobacterium bifidum. In 1920 Rettger demonstrated that Metchnikoff’s “Bulgarian bacillus”, later called Lactobacillus bulgaricus, could not live in the intestine rather they support the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus which is a common inhabitant of human digestive tract. The term “Probiotics” was introduced in 1953 by Kollath

Prebiotic Nondigestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by stimulating the growth, activity or both. Common food ingredients used as Prebiotic are:- - Fructo Oligo Saccharide (FOS) -Inulin -Gelato Oligo Saccharide (GOS) -Lactulose -Lactitol

An effective Probiotic Should :- be beneficial to the host. be non pathogenic and non toxic. contain large number of viable cells. be capable of metabolizing and surviving in the gut. remain viable during the storage and use. colonies in the gut and remain their for long.

A Prebiotic food Should :- not be hydrolyzed or absorbed in the upper part of gastrointestinal tract. function as selective food for one or limited number of beneficial bacteria in intestine. be able to alter the micro flora towards a more healthier composition.

The resultant Probiotic organisms upon fermentation of prebiotic food produces a number of beneficial products like :- Short chain fatty acids acetate, propionate and butyrate. Hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and methane gas. Lactate, pyruvate, succinate and formate.

Synbiotic - Trial combinations Bifidobacteria + FOS Bifidobacteria + GOS Lactobacilli + Lactitol Lactobacilli + Inulin Fermented milks (curd, yogurt, kefir) are considered to be true synbiotic products, i.e. functional foods, since they supply live bacteria and the food they need to survive.

Synbiotic - dose Typically, a synbiotic product containing one to ten billion active cells, is taken several times a week. In cases where antibiotics have been taken, it is suggested that such a product must be taken several times a day, preferably at least 30 min. before meals.

Synbiotic - Advantages Heal and regulate the intestinal flora, particularly after the destruction of microorganisms following antibiotic, chemotherapy or radiation therapies. Helps in proper digestion and absorption of food. It also suppress the development of putrefactive processes and thus prevents many serious diseases. Regulates the immune system. Antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic ?