Prebiotics health benefits

Prebiotics, Probiotics, FOS & GOS - Health Benefits

Prebiotic is a selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in the gut bacteria leading to benefits for the host well being and health. Synbiotic is a combination of prebiotic and probiotic.

Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli have been shown to have potent antipathogenic properties for potentially providing health benefits.

A successful prebiotic has the following properties:

1. Is not destroyed or absorbed in the gut on its journey from mouth to the colon.
2. Undergoes bacterial fermentation in the gut.
3. Selectively promotes the number and/or activity of the indigenous beneficial bacteria like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli

While dietary fiber may act as prebiotic, the most promising however are fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) because of their selective fermentation towards the more healthy gut bacteria.Galacto- oligosaccharides (GOS) are used in infant formula foods. Both FOS and GOS meet the criteria for prebiotics as outlined above. Inulin type fructans have positive prebiotic effects. Other products with possible prebiotic potential include soybean oligosaccharides from soybean whey. Isomalto- oligosaccharides may be regarded as a quasi-prebiotic since it is partially metabolized in human gut.

Possible health benefits of prebiotics include:

1. Improved lactose tolerance
2. Improved resistance to pathogens resulting in decrease in gastrointestinal infections and respiratory infections
3. Decrease in cholesterol
4. Increased bacterial synthesis of vitamins
5. Protection against allergies by reducing gut inflammation
6. Improved absorption of calcium and magnesium

Dose of prebiotic: 5-8 g per day

Products on the market that may be fortified with prebiotics include diary products, health drinks, infant formula, cereal, dried instant as well as canned foods, and pet foods etc.

Do you or someone you know takes probiotics or prebiotics? If yes, in what form do you take and do you think it makes a difference? Please share your thoughts.

Comments

[Mike Probiotic]

Yes I took attune probiotics packed with live active cultures. The product was tasty chocolate bars and granola bars which supports my digestive problem.