On the probiotics/prebiotics craze

Probiotics and prebiotics are becoming increasingly popular in foods including yogurt, smoothies, snack bars, cereals, baby formula and chocolate. The "good bacteria" additives have been added to 150 products this year by companies including Dannon and Kraft, reported The Associated Press.

As the article points out, research is needed to back up all these claims... One thing we know: Yogurt, kefir, and all traditionally fermented milk beverages have been around for millenia. The good bacteria thrives in them. Now what really happens to these bacteria when dehydrated, and added to some processed food or supplement? How can they survive in a non-nourishing environment? Aren't these friendly bacteria supposed to work their wonders when alive? While waiting for un-biased scientific studies to give us firm answers, we shall remain skeptical.