Prebiotics

Definitions, biological roles and references. Findings depend on the preparation studied.

Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms, conferring a health benefit.

SELECTIVE FERMENTATION

Prebiotics are not digested by the host but are fermented by beneficial gut bacteria, promoting their growth and activity.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Support digestive health, enhance mineral absorption, modulate immune function, and may influence metabolic health.

COMMON TYPES

Inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and resistant starches are well-studied prebiotics.

↑Mineral Absorption: Improves solubility and uptake of Ca²⁺, Fe²⁺, and Mg²⁺.
↑Beneficial Microbes: Provides selective substrates to promote healthy gut flora growth.
↑SCFA Production: Generates energy for colonocytes and supports mucosal integrity.
↓Pathogen Growth: ↓ Luminal pH and ↑ antimicrobial peptide production.
Immune Modulation: ↑ Epithelial barrier integrity, ↑ dendritic cell/B-cell activity, and T-reg differentiation.
Cytokine Regulation: ↓ Pro-inflammatory markers (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) and ↑ anti-inflammatory IL-10.

Compare the three approaches

Return to the Knowledge Hub to compare definitions.

Read about mechanisms and the evidence behind them.