Preface

This book discusses the most recent advances in probiotics and prebiotics, which are functional ingredients used as food additives to preserve human and animal health.

The volume contains thirteen chapters that explain the mechanisms of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics from their interaction with the intestinal microbiota as antimicrobials and immunomodulators and their effect on human and animal health.

Importantly, the book covers proposals for new probiotic strains and new materials for the preservation of probiotics during their passage through the gastrointestinal tract.

This book is designed for students, researchers, teachers, and scientists in the fields of health and food.

I want to thank all the authors for their contribution to this book. I also thank IntechOpen and Author Service Manager Ms. Karmen Đaleta for their support.

> **Dr. Elena Franco-Robles** Associate Profesor, Departamento de Veterinaria y Zootecnia, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
