Prebiotics are claimed to have great therapeutic benefits. They are food ingredients that are not digested directly in the gut but are selectively fermented by microorganisms – the so-called probiotics, in the human large intestine and especially the colon. It is estimated we humans have over 100 trillion microorganisms just in our intestines which is over 10 times more than the number of cells that make up our body. It is reasoned there may be up to 1000 different types of indigenous bacteria residing in our guts. The prebiotics cause specific changes both in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefits upon host health.
Consuming prebiotics produces many important physiological benefits in humans (Ferreira et al., 2011) and has been regularly covered in numerous scientific reports (Saad et al., 2013). EFSA have not yet allowed claims to be made on the efficacy of prebiotic-probiotics, but studies have been conducted on a number of health conditions. These include reducing hypercholesterolaemia, reducing diarrhoea and its impact, alleviating chronic conditions like bowel diseases – both irritable and inflammatory, and even preventing food allergies (Buddington, 2009).
The Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus bacteria which are regularly advertised as beneficial microorganisms or probiotics to us, benefit most from being fed these prebiotics. Prebiotics in the diet helps them grow in preference to less desirable bacteria and pathogens which harm us.
Prebiotics are oligosaccharides, usually fibers which are found in particular types of vegetables such as Jerusalem artichokes, globe artichokes, onions and chicory to name a few. Typical fibres include inulin, the galactooligosaccharides, the fructooligosaccharides and lactulose. One of their likely roles in human health is improving immunity by encouraging the growth of benign microflora in the gastrointestinal tract.
The IFT (Ohr, 2014) surveyed various suppliers of prebiotic ingredients for improving children’s health but applies equally well to adults too. Ingredion Inc. (Westchester, Il. USA) supplies a sugar cane derived prebiotic fibre called NutraFlora® which is produced by their unique proprietary fermentation process and is not GMO (genetically modified organism). The ingredient is mainly composed of short-chain fructooligosaccharides and is also claimed to improve calcium absorption as well as serve as a basic dietary fibre. The short chain length of this fibre apparently makes it less likely to be used by pathogenic bacteria. Other benefits which supplement the prebiotic effects are aimed at the product developer where flavour is concerned -as a fat replacer, flavour enhancer and mouthfeel improver. It appears suitable for liquid and solid formats. Health Canada approved it in 2013 as a dietary fibre source.
The oligofructose-enriched inulin from BENEO Inc. (Morris Plains, N.J. USA) called Orafti® Synergy1 has also been beneficial in a supplemented infant formula. The prebiotic effect was demonstrated in infants up to 4 months old and the fibre tolerated (BENEO, 2013). This study looked at neonates who were fed a formula containing 0.8 g/dL Synergy1 fibre. The control group were fed on a maltodextrin equivalent. Those babies receiving the prebiotic had microflora similar to breast-fed children with softer stools and a better frequency of deposition compared to the control group.
This post is being continually edited for new information. Any thoughts on it will be greatly appreciated.
References
Buddington, R. (2009). Using probiotics and prebiotics to manage the gastrointestinal tract ecosystem. In: Prebiotics and Probiotics Science and Technology. (edited by D. Charalampopoulos & R.A. Rastall). Chester, UK: Springer Science + Business Media. pp. 1–32
Ferreira, C.L., Salminen, S., Grzeskowiak, L. et al. (2011). Terminology concepts of probiotic and prebiotic and their role in human and animal health. Revista de Salud Animal, 33 pp. 137–146.
Ohr, L.M. (2014) Fueling Healthy Kids. Food Technol. 68 (3) pp. 67-71
Saad, N., Delattre, C., Urdaci, M., Schmitter, J.M. & Bressollier, P. (2013). An overview of the last advances in probiotic and prebiotic field. LWT-Food Science and Technology, 50 pp. 1–16.
Revised 6th July, 2014
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