Ecological and molecular perspectives on responders and non-responders to probiotics and prebiotics

Bifidobacteria are widely used as a probiotic for their health promoting effects. To promote their growth, bifidogenic prebiotics, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), have been added to supplements and infant formula. However, the efficacy of both probiotic and prebiotic interventions is often debated, as clinical responses vary significantly by case. Here, we review clinical studies that aimed to proliferate human-residential Bifidobacterium (HRB) strains in the gut, and we highlight the difference between responders and non responders to such interventions through an ecological, niche based perspective and an examination of the prevalence of genes responsible for prebiotic assimilation in HRB genomes. We discuss the criteria necessary to better evaluate the efficacy of probiotic and prebiotic interventions and the recent therapeutic potential shown by synbiotics.

Automated summary

This article reviews clinical studies on proliferating human-residential Bifidobacterium strains in the gut and highlights the differences between responders and non-responders to such interventions from an ecological and genetic perspective. The criteria to better evaluate the efficacy of probiotic and prebiotic interventions and the therapeutic potential of synbiotics are discussed.