Fig. 2: Design and mechanisms of action of complementary and synergistic synbiotics.

Two approaches to designing synbiotics are represented here. The complementary approach combines a prebiotic and a probiotic that work independently to elicit one or more health benefits. The prebiotic and probiotic must each meet applicable criteria (Table 3). The prebiotic functions by modulating the resident microbiota in a manner associated with an improved health outcome. The synergistic approach selects a substrate that is utilized by the co-administered live microorganism, enhancing its functionality. Synergistic synbiotics work together (not independently) to bring about the resulting health benefits.