HUN 4362 Prebiotics and Probiotics

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to prebiotics and probiotics, including important definitions and concepts from the lecture notes.

Prebiotics

Nondigestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon.

Probiotics

Live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the host when administered in adequate amounts.

Bifidogenic factor

Substances that promote the growth of bifidobacteria, which inhabit the gut and help control pH and minimize pathogen growth.

Lactulose

A synthetic disaccharide used as a laxative that is fermented in the colon to produce short chain fatty acids.

Inulin-type fructans

Nondigestible oligosaccharides found in fruits and vegetables that are fermented in the colon.

Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA)

Fermentation products that enhance water and salt uptake and serve as an energy source for the host.

GI microbiota

The community of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract that play a crucial role in digestion and health.

Saccharolytic

Refers to bacteria that break down saccharides (sugars) for energy.

Peptolytic

Refers to bacteria that break down peptide chains (amino acid chains) for energy.

Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)

A component of the immune system associated with the gastrointestinal tract, involved in the immune response.

Fermentation

The metabolic process in which microorganisms break down sugars and carbohydrates, often producing SCFA.

CFU

Colony Forming Units; a measure of viable bacterial or fungal numbers in a sample.