Probiotics and Prebiotics: Where are We Going?

Internationally renown authors cover the latest issues of this highly topical subject, providing an authoritative review of important aspects of current research and applications and in particular focusing on novel issues and developing technology. The chapters of this book contain state-of-the-art commentaries on all aspects of probiotics, prebiotics and the gut microflora. There is a particular emphasis on the possible application of probiotics and prebiotics to specific health problems of humans. Acknowledged experts in the field of microflora analysis cover advanced technologies and genomics that will aid in our understanding of the gut microflora. Written by leading experts in the field, each chapter affords a critical insight to a particular topic, reviews current research, discusses future direction and aims to stimulate discussion. Topics covered include the genomics of probiotic microorganisms, the developing technologies for analysis of gut microorganisms, evaluation and future potential of prebiotic substances, and the potential for disease prevention in humans by probiotic organisms. An essential text for all microbiologists, health professionals, biotechnologists, pharmaceutical companies, dairy and food scientists.