What are probiotics?
The term probiotics means “for life” and is currently used to name bacteria associated with beneficial effects for humans and animals). They are supplement which beneficially affect the host by improving properties of indigenous flora.

What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are dietary substances that nurture a selected group of microorganisms living in the gut. They favor the growth of beneficial bacteria over that of harmful ones.

What are the normal bacteria seen in the gut?
More than 400 bacterial species are present in the gut with stomach containing least number of bacteria and the colon containing maximum number of bacteria.

Before birth, the intestines are sterile and bacteria start colonizing the gut soon after birth and continue throughout life. These bacteria normally do not cause problems and infact help in maintaining well being as they prevent infection with disease causing bacteria.

How do probiotics & prebiotics help to maintain a healthy digestive system?
It is assumed that supplementation of prebiotic and/or probiotic would increase the relative number of “good bacteria” in the gut and that would contribute to the well being of the host.

What are the specific indications of using probiotics in children?
A number of health effects have been reported with usage of probiotics. Beneficial effect of probiotics have been seen in prevention and treatment of acute diarrhea especially rotaviral diarrhea in children. Probiotics have also shown beneficial effects in traveler’s diarrhea and antibiotic associated diarrhea to reduce signs and symptoms of diarrhea.

Which are the commonly used probiotics in humans?
Commonly used probiotics in humans are

        Lactobacillus species
        Bifidobacterium
        Saccharomyces cerevisiae
        Some E coli & Bacillus species

How are probiotics commonly available?
Probiotics are commonly available as probiotics fortified food, probiotic fortified dairy products and probiotic sachets, tablets and capsules.

What is the normal dose of probiotic prescribed?
The dose needed for probiotics varies with the type of probiotic. Most would be delivered in the range of 1-10 billion colony forming unit per dose.

What are the side effects of probiotics?
Lactobacillus has been used in humans for a long time without any established risk.

What are the specific indication of using prebiotic in children?
The concept of prebiotic is essentially the same as of probiotic although by a different mechanism.

How are prebiotics commonly available?
Unlike probiotics, most prebiotics are used as food ingredients in biscuits, cereals, chocolate, spreads and dairy products.

Which are the commonly used prebiotics?
Commonly used prebiotics are:

        Oligofructose
        Inulin
        Galacto-oligosaccharides
        Lactulose
        Breast milk oligosaccharides

How do prebiotics act?
Fermentation of oligofructose in the colon results in increasing the number of bifidobacteria (probiotics) in the colon that results in preventing growth of disease causing bacteria.