Prebiotic Supplements Review, Benefits and Uses

Prebiotic supplements are commonly taken together with probiotics, to improve digestive health and support the immune system. Prebiotics are fibrous compounds found naturally in certain food sources, that have been shown to increase the number of health-boosting probiotic bacteria in the intestines.

Probiotics are beneficial living organisms that colonize the gastrointestinal tract and help break down our foods, limit the growth of harmful bacteria and play an important role in the immune system. Common types of probiotics include lactobacillus, bifidobacteria, and saccharomyces bacteria.

Using a prebiotic supplement is said to help nourish the growth of probiotic bacteria by acting as substrates for these organisms. In research studies, taking a prebiotic alone has been shown to boost probiotic bacteria populations in the digestive system. However, the two are often combined in a supplement regimen.

Examples of prebiotic supplements include inulin, which is extracted from chicory root, Fructo-oligosaccharides and Galacto-oligosaccharides. You can also supplement your diet by eating fiber-rich foods, such as artichokes, asparagus, certain dairy products, legumes and root vegetables.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Prebiotic Supplements

Prebiotic supplements can be bought separately or as a prebiotic and probiotic combination formulas. Prebiotic-enriched milk and yogurts can also be purchased at some health food stores.

Chicory root is the most used plant prebiotic source in dietary supplement. Beet root is also used as a source of Fructo-oligiosaccharies (FOS) and has been developed as a replacement sugar product.

Prebiotics have many applications for improving the immune system and helping to regulate conditions associated with Syndrome X which increases the risks of developing heart disease and diabetes.

The prebiotic inulin has been shown to help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer in animal studies in mice.

Prebiotic Supplement Benefits

Inlulin is a prebiotic soluble fiber found in over 36,000 plants. It has been well-researched for its benefits as a prebiotic supplement.

Clinical studies have shown that supplementing with inulin decreases the level of serum cholesterol and triglycerides. This supplement causes a reduction in the number of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles and also reduces the lipogenic enzyme activity.

This affect was more pronounced in healthy young men than in young women in the studies performed. Certain probiotic species have also been shown to improve triglyceride levels; the effects may be more pronounced when combining these supplements.

Findings from studies published in August 2010 in the British Journal of Nutrition showed taking prebiotic food products has the effect of increasing the probiotic bifidobacteria which increases Ca (calcium) absorption in adolescents.

Studies have also indicated an increase in Calcium absorption, bone Calcium accretion and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

The study also showed that healthy gut microbiota with high numbers of bifidobacteria probiotic bacteria also helped balance metabolic processes common in metabolic Syndrome X in those who were obese and those with Diabetes Type 2.

The Syndrome X diagnosis is given when at least three of five medical conditions exist. These conditions are central abdominal obesity; elevate blood pressure, elevated fasting plasma glucose, high serum triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.

People with this condition have an increased risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Using prebiotic supplements has been proposed as one way to combat this disease, but more research is needed to establish efficacy.

Prebiotic Supplement Uses

Prebiotic supplements in capsule, powder or liquid form are frequently taken to promote digestive health and to relieve constipation as well as diarrhea.

According to WebMD, with 20-40 grams per day of prebiotics for 19 days is effective as a treatment of constipation in older people. In research studies, this dosage has resulted in an increase in bowel movements from 1 – 2 per week to 8 – 9 per week.

This dosage is significantly higher than the recommended dietary intake as defined by the FDA in the US. The recommended daily intake of prebiotics is 4 grams daily, but some researchers say that up to 16 grams has health benefits.

In clinical studies in mice, the prebiotic supplement inlulin reduces carcinogen-induced aberrant crypt foci in the distal colon. These foci are clusters of abnormal tube-like glands in the lining of the colon and rectum. These glands form before colorectal polyps that lead to cancer.

This supplement also offers protection against exposure to Listeria the causal agent of the bacterial disease, Listeriosis. This bacterium causes a severe infection from food contaminated with the bacteria.

This supplement significantly reduces the mortality rate. Listeriosis particularly affects the elderly, those with impaired immune systems and pregnant women.

For Crohn’s disease an inlulin supplement is recommended for daily consumption because it decreases the symptoms of the disease and increases the IL-10 positive mucosal dendritic (antigen immune system) cells.

A combination formula of galacto-oligosaccharies and inulin decreased the occurrence of atopic dermatis in infants with a high risk of developing this condition. The conclusion of this study was that this supplement combination helped promote immune development.

It is believed the inulin benefits the immune system through the direct interaction between the inulin and its metabolites with the gut-associated lymphoid tissues and the Peyer’s patches (lymph node-like elongated thickenings of the intestinal epithelium) in particular.

In cases of dehydration caused by diarrhea and diaphoresis (sweating), inulin is used for rehydration and re-mineralization.

Ingredients in Prebiotic Supplements

Besides providing prebiotic action of supporting the growth of probiotics and providing dietary fiber, (inulin and FOS products) prebiotics may also contain digestive enzymes. These enzymes help break down hard to digest animal protein and dairy protein.

Supplements may also contain phenolic compounds, which suppresses bad bacterium growth. Kiwi fruit extract that use the fruit seeds and skin is a type of prebiotic supplement that has all four features. Extend Life’s Kiwi Klenz is a popular prebiotic product.

Easyfibre® FOS is a soluble dietary fiber with the short-chain Fructo-Oligiosaccharides that is a source of fiber and sugar replacement derived from sugar beet.

Prebiotic Supplement Contraindications

Prebiotic Supplements are generally considered safe when they are used appropriately. No serious side effects have been reported when using these natural food extracts in healthy adults. However, some mild side effects occur.
Inulin is considered a FODMAP, a class of carbohydrates which are rapidly fermented in the colon, and can produce intestinal gas.

Inulin on its own is not recommended for those with IBS. Combination formulas may be more suitable. The consumption of large amounts of inulin can lead to gas and bloating.

Inulin from chicory sources should not be taken by pregnant women as it increases the risk of miscarriage. If allergic to ragweed and related plants, chicory based inulin should be avoided.

Chicory also stimulates the production of bile and should be avoided for those with gallstones.
Prebiotic supplements have many health benefits for treating and preventing immune system conditions that originate from an imbalance in the digestive system. Speak to your doctor to find out if these supplements are appropriate for you.

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