Probiotics/Prebiotics

What are probiotics? Is there a difference between prebiotics and probiotics? The term “probiotic” has been in common use for the past twenty years, but the concept dates from over 100 years ago when a Nobel Prize winning scientist from Russia reported that Bulgarian peasants who regularly ate yogurt lived longer than those that did not. Since then, and especially recently, scientists and the food industry have had an increased interest in learning more about these organisms. Although we still aren’t sure how or if they work, which strains are most effective, or what dose is required for benefits, many consumers purchase and eat these products regularly.