Define the term Prebiotics?

Dietary Sources and their Mode of Action/health Effects We have already seen how prebiotics are defined. Let us go a little in-depth about them. Prebiotic fermentation should favour growth of potentially health promoting bacteria especially Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterial which are indigenous to the gastrointestinal tract. In a way, the approach is similar to that of dietary fibre or resistant starch. However, prebiotics will affect bacterial growth selectively. Also, efficient prebiotics will reduce/suppress the numbers and activities of possibly pathogenic microorganisms.