The intestinal microbiota and its actions have a beneficial effect on health. It is actively involved in nutrient digestion processes.

Today, the intestinal microbiota is recognized as the set of microorganisms that inhabit the intestine and help digest and assimilate the nutrients that are ingested, including vitamins, fibers and sugars. It is made up of various species, which can range from 15,000 to more than 35,000 species, according to the most recent studies. Its imbalance (dysbiosis) is related to the production of acute and chronic intestinal and extra-intestinal disorders.

The functions of the intestinal microbiota are:

  • Metabolics
  • Trophics
  • Protective

As for the metabolic character, it allows the fermentation of non-digestive residues of the diet and intestinal mucus; it provides energy with production of short chain fatty acids; production of vitamins (K and folic acid); in addition to absorption of ions.

Regarding the trophic function, it is evidenced by the control of epithelial cell proliferation.

In reference to the protective function, a barrier effect is generated that protects against antigens and pathogenic germs.

By consuming prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, the intestinal microbiota is modulated and the presence of various intestinal and extraintestinal diseases is prevented.

Prebiotics are defined as dietary substances that nourish selected groups of microorganisms that inhabit the intestine, favoring the growth of beneficial bacteria over harmful ones.

Probiotics act favorably to mitigate functional constipation, functional digestive disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome) and inflammatory bowel diseases.

In addition, the consumption of probiotics prevents the occurrence of diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile, colon cancer and hypercholesterolemia.

Found in natural sources such as:

  • milk (mother’s and cow’s milk) and colostrum
  • bee honey
  • onion, garlic, artichoke, leek, beet, tomato and asparagus
  • banana
  • barley, wheat and rye
  • beans, lentils and soybeans
  • sugar cane and sugar cane derivatives such as sugar cane juice, molasses and bagasse
  • corn

Probiotics are living microorganisms that, after being ingested in a specific number, exert benefits for the health of the host.

Among the functions of probiotics, we can find:

  • it improves the balance of the microbiota and intestinal health
  • it reduces the severity of acute diarrhea
  • it prevents diarrhea associated with antibiotics
  • it reduces the symptoms of lactose intolerance
  • it reduces the symptoms of irritable bowel
  • it stimulates the immune system
  • it synthesizes and improves the bioavailability of nutrients
  • it decreases the presence of eczema
  • it reduces the risk of colon cancer

Symbiotic products result from the combination of probiotics and prebiotics. This implies an increase in the survival of probiotic bacteria during transit through the upper digestive tract, thanks to the presence of these favorable substances.

The main reason for using a synbiotic is that a true probiotic, without its prebiotic food, does not survive well in the digestive system. By harnessing the benefits of these prebiotics and probiotics in synergy, the number of good bacteria in the digestive systems increases accompanied by improved health.

Probiotics and symbiotics are found in fermented milks, cheeses and yogurts with the addition of alive microorganisms.

References:
-Guillot, C. D. C. (2017). Microbiota intestinal, probióticos y prebióticos. Enfermería investiga: investigación, vinculación, docencia y gestión, 2(4), 156-160.
-Olagnero, G., Abad, A., Bendersky, S., Genevois, C., Granzella, L., & Montonati, M. (2007). Alimentos funcionales: fibra, prebióticos, probióticos y simbióticos. Diaeta, 25(121), 20-33.
-Valdizán Garcia, C. D. V. (2018). Efecto de la inclusión de probiótico, prebiótico y simbiótico en la dieta del cuy (Cavia porcellus) sobre parámetros productivos