In order to achieve optimal digestion, absorption, and nutritional health, we must have appropriate populations of positive microflora. Prebiotics are functional foods that improve health by fortifying indigenous probiotics within the gut. This fast-growing area of nutrition and microbiology is rapidly amassing data and answering many questions abo

Presenting a balanced view of the current knowledge in many different areas of the field, this handbook discusses the concept, definition and criteria for classification as prebiotics and describes their interactions with gut microbiota. Contributions discuss the biomechanics of prebiotics and their effects on immune status, serum lipid concentrations, mineral bioavailability, and satiety modulation. They consider the health implications of prebiotic intake such as reduced incidence of gastroenteritis and chronic pathogenic gut disorders including intestinal cancers and inflammatory bowel disease. Providing well-rounded coverage, the book explores the varying effects of prebiotics in different populations and age groups and describes potential food avenues and the safety implications for prebiotic use.