Probiotics: Live microorganism which when administered in adequate amounts confer the health benefit on the host.
Prebiotics: Fermentative substances, which have a positive influence on the microflora of the gut (for instance nutritional fiber, fructooligosaccharides
Probiotics are live microbes (mostly bacteria and some yeasts) having similar characteristics to those beneficial microorganisms found in the gastrointestinal tract. Also termed as “friendly bacteria” they are available in the form of dietary supplements (such as capsules, powders and tablets) and foods, termed as functional foods.On the other hand prebiotics refers to non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and/or activity of the microbes residing in the gut.
And the combination(probiotics and prebiotics) is termed as synbiotics, as some probiotics.
Well , probiotic is the organism used which could be one lactic acid bacterium,Bifidobacterium or yeasts, while prebiotic is the organism metabolite. Youghurt for example contain both probiotic which is the starter culture(could be possessed prbiotic capability) and prebiotic such as lactic acid,enzyme,.....etc.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in certain foods or supplements. Prebiotics are types of fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in the digestive system.