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A synbiotic is the combination of a microorganism shown (or thought) to have some beneficial effect when consumed (ie a probiotic) and a compound that specifically favours its growth (ie a prebiotic), having a synergistic effect when paired together. Many probiotic supplements are currently marketed as synbiotics. These products typically contain a combination of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus or Streptococcus species, and a carbon substrate (eg lactose, lactulose or inulin) supporting growth of these organisms. Historical use of probiotics in foods and beverages and marketing towards digestive health has favoured food companies as producers of these products. The largest market share for probiotics comes from companies like Danone, Nestlé and General Mills, which are currently investing in R&D to expand their probiotic and prebiotic portfolios. Examples of growing interest in probiotics can be found among …