Evidence has shown that human gut microbiota has an important effect on
many aspects of human physiology including metabolism, nutrient absorption and
immune function. Perturbation of the intestinal microbiota could lead to chronic
diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, diabetes, and colon cancer.
Modulation of the microbiota by dietary interventions, especially by the use of
probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics has shown its potential for the treatment and
prevention of diseases. Hence, the number of studies aimed to research the therapeutic
effect of probiotic strains and prebiotics as well as the molecular mechanisms involved
in the modulation of microbial populations and their environment by dietary
intervention had increased considerably in the last 10 years. On the other hand, the
current omics technologies are providing the tools needed to examine the community
structure and function of the gut microbiota and therefore, understand its role in health
and disease. The aim of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of the
research carried out on probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in the last 10 years as well
as present the new biotechnologies that are contributing to the understanding of the
host-microbiota interactions and the mechanisms of actions of pro-, pre- and synbiotics.
Keywords: Dysbiosis, Functional Properties, Gut Microbiota, Health Benefits,
Host-Microbiota Interactions, Omics Technologies, Probiotics, Prebiotics,
Synbiotics, Therapeutic Modulation.
