Figure 1.

Potential mechanisms by which probiotics and prebiotics contribute to gut health. The microbial fermentation of non-digestive carbohydrates yields SCFAs and improves gut function and overall health. SCFAs serve as an energy source for enterocytes, leading to the maintenance of intestinal integrity. Probiotics and prebiotics modulate gut microbiota via different mechanisms, including competitive exclusion and the synthesis of bactericidal molecules, thus, preventing the colonization of pathogens and enhancing the maturation of the immune system.