Microbiome- and Host-Mediated Effects of Prebiotics in Foods and Feeds

Dear Colleagues,

Prebiotics are dietary components that can benefit human and animal health. A key characteristic of prebiotics is that they can pass through the upper intestinal tract to selectively increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the hind gut. Microbiome-mediated effects typically include the production of short-chain fatty acids that act as nutritional substrates for gut epithelial cells and modify the expression of genes associated with inflammatory responses. These short chain fatty acids can also affect remote tissues via adsorption and circulation in the blood. Prebiotics can also function in conjunction with the gut microbiota to suppress pathogen challenge and, at a cellular level, to suppress inappropriate pro-inflammatory responses and maintain gut integrity at tight junctions. Native fibre represents an integral prebiotic component of human and animal diets. However, dietary supplements are now available that modify the existing microbiota to promote human health or enhance the welfare and the productivity of livestock.

We invite contributions to this Special Issue that investigate the application and development of prebiotics in foods and feeds with reference to the membership and modification of gut microbial communities.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Microorganisms.

Prof. Dr. Ian Connerton
Dr. Adam Lee
Guest Editors

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