ABSTRACT
Probiotics are viable organisms that confer beneficial effects against a range of health disorders through interaction with the gastrointestinal tract. Prebiotics, on the other hand are ingredients necessary for probiotics to grow and carry out their function. The incorporation of prebiotics and probiotics in food products has led to the creation of functional foods which has had a direct beneficial effect on health. To maximize the health effects of both prebiotics and probiotics, it is important to address the issues that may affect the functional effect of prebiotics and the viability of probiotics before they reach their destination inside the host. The use of nanotechnology has resolved these problems as it has also facilitated their targeted delivery as well as their controlled release. This chapter discusses the recent developments in the nanoencapsulation of prebiotics and probiotics.
