A probiotic - "A preparation of or a product containing viable, defined microorganisms in sufficient numbers, which alter the microflora (by implantation or colonization) in a compartment of the host and by that exert beneficial health effects in this host."
The term prebiotic was introduced by Gibson and Roberfroid (42) who exchanged "pro" for "pre," which means "before" or "for." They defined prebiotics as "a non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon." This definition more or less overlaps with the definition of dietary fiber, with the exception of its selectivity for certain species.
The term synbiotic is used when a product contains both probiotics and prebiotics.
Source: Schrezenmeir, Jürgen., de Vrese, Michael. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics—approaching a definition. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 73, No. 2, 361S-364s, February 2001
Vetark are strong believers in the 'power' of probiotics and were at the forefront of their use in exotic pets. Our AVIPRO was we believe the first probiotic product in UK developed specifically with difficult 'exotic' pets in mind.
Following our initial trials almost 20 years ago in veterinary practices. We have always strongly preferred Lactobacillus acidophilus as an active organism, while some companies have gone towards other organisms. Our more recent in-house work which led to the development of AVIPRO PLUS as a 'synbiotic' (with vitamins and soluble fibre prebiotic) has confirmed to us that we maintain that preference.
European licensing is now not supporting multi-organism products, and we like many of the human probiotic suppliers have continued to prefer Lacto.