Science has shown that probiotics could be beneficial for the human body. A recent study indicated that the community of microorganisms residing in the gut could impact on health and wellbeing. Researchers at UC San Diego in partnership with Nutricia have found that people who regularly consume fermented food have a gut microbiome enriched in "conjugated linoleic acid" which is thought to be beneficial for gut health and is often taken as a nutritional supplement.
Furthermore, the prevention and treatment of obesity might be achieved by microbiota transplantation. An interesting study indicated that microbiota transplantation might have treating effects on obesity. However, the result is not consistent overall. But other study indicated that microbiota transplantation has treating effect on Inflammation bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. Compare to antibiotic treatment, microbiota transplantation has a better and long-lasting effect (1). After microbiota transplantation, how to maintain those microbiotas in our gut is the key. Therefore, the intake of prebiotics might have a contribution in the maintenance of microbiota.
1. Van Nood E, Vrieze A, Nieuwdorp M, Fuentes S, Zoetendal EG, de Vos WM, Visser CE, Kuijper EJ, Bartelsman JF, Tijssen JG, Speelman P. Duodenal infusion of donor feces for recurrent Clostridium difficile. New England Journal of Medicine. 2013 Jan 31;368(5):407-15.