What are Prebiotics? Comparison to Probiotic Supplements

Most people have heard a lot about the benefits of probiotics, but few are familiar with prebiotics and why we need them.

Prebiotic supplements are certain kinds of non-digestible dietary fibers we derive from our foods.

They stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive system, laying the groundwork for an effective course of probiotics use.

Probiotics need these fibrous substrates to flourish and keep us healthy by preventing the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and improving immunity and digestion.

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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What Are Prebiotics?

The name prebiotic literally translates to mean “occurring before the appearance of life.” This is an appropriate definition when you consider that probiotics need these food ingredients in order to remain viable within the digestive tract.

Probiotics and prebiotics work together to provide a number of health-enhancing benefits.

When the microflora within the intestinal tract gets out of balance, the result is often intestinal dysbiosis. This is an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria and yeast associated with various disorders like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), constipation, diarrhea and yeast infections.

Probiotics are the healthy bacteria and fungi found naturally throughout the body working to keep harmful bacterial processes from taking hold.

They do this through a myriad of methods including the maintenance of high acidity levels in the GI tract which are achieved when helpful bacteria convert some of the foods we eat into lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, ethanol and acetic acid.

Prebiotics are often blended with probiotics to assure the good bacteria have plenty of stimulation to grow and colonize the areas of the body to which they are introduced. Though prebiotics are not actually food for probiotics, they are the soluble fiber which act as a stimulant to the fermentation processes constantly being carried out by the living probiotic microorganisms.

Some common prebiotics seen on ingredient labels include FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides), xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), polydextrose, and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).

How Prebiotics and Probiotics Work

Scientifically speaking, prebiotics increase the number of, or the activity of, probiotics including lactic-acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria (bifidus). These two groups of bacteria contain species known to provide beneficial effects on their host (human or other mammal) organism.

Some of these benefits include improved digestion, better absorption of minerals, and promotion of proper immune function.

Prebiotics are indigestible by humans, thus they pass through the early gastrointestinal tract and are able to make it to the large bowel (colon) without being broken down. There, they are fermented to provide nourishment for the probiotic bacteria colonized there.

Benefits of Prebiotics

Clinical research suggests prebiotics have potential effects on mineral absorption, including calcium.

There are also preliminary findings that prebiotics aid in reduction of colorectal cancer risk, inflammatory gastrointestinal tract disorders including IBS and Crohn’s Disease, hypertension and irregularity.

In addition, the microflora of the GI tract in humans and other mammals has been shown to directly influence immune health and response. Therefore, the restoration and maintenance of proper balance in the gut flora is an important part of health.

Some researchers suggest the health effects of prebiotics are derived from an increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced by the probiotic bacteria.

These SCFAs may also benefit individuals with Crohn’s Disease by nourishing the walls of the colon. SCFAs, like FOS, are usually fermented faster than long-chain prebiotics like inulin.

SCFAs are typically processed on the right side of the colon to provide stimulation to the bacteria found there, while long-chain fatty acids are more often processed on the left side of the colon to nourish bacteria there.

Optimally, a prebiotic would be able to provide the full range of fatty acids to benefit probiotic bacteria throughout the colon.

Prebiotic Foods and Supplements

Natural sources of prebiotics are readily available at most grocers. Common foods like raw garlic and onion, asparagus and bananas are good sources. To gain benefit, they need to be eaten in enough quantity to nourish and stimulate the probiotic bacteria.

Chicory root and Jerusalem artichokes are quite high in prebiotics, however, they are often only able to be found at specialty shops, whereas onions, bananas and garlic can be found at most grocery chains.

But, all prebiotics are not equal. For example, eating 1 ounce of raw Jerusalem artichoke is considered an adequate serving, while eating 1.3 pounds of bananas would be necessary to achieve the same effect.

Although there isn’t yet a recommended daily allowance (RDA) for prebiotics, in general an average healthy adult should consume 4-8 grams (about ¼ ounce) each day. Those with digestive disorders should consume twice this amount (about ½ ounce).

Prebiotic supplements are often included as part of probiotic formulas and provide an easy way of assuring an appropriate dose every day.

Side Effects of Prebiotics

Individuals who eat a typical Western diet might initially experience side effects like bloating, increased gas and bowel movements. This is because of the increased fiber. These effects usually subside with continued use.

Conclusion

Prebiotics are soluble fibers which pass through the early digestive tract without being broken down.

Upon reaching the large bowel (colon), they works to nourish the probiotic bacteria. They are often combined in probiotic formulas and may be labeled as FOS, GOS or oligosaccharides on the ingredient panel.

Prebiotics assure that the good bacteria within the colon are provided with appropriate stimulation which helps them to perform their beneficial tasks.

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