Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications

Abstract

Prebiotics are a group of nutrients that are degraded by gut microbiota. Their relationship with human overall health has been an area of increasing interest in recent years. They can feed the intestinal microbiota, and their degradation products are short-chain fatty acids that are released into blood circulation, consequently, affecting not only the gastrointestinal tracts but also other distant organs. Fructo-oligosaccharides and galacto-oligosaccharides are the two important groups of prebiotics with beneficial effects on human health. Since low quantities of fructo-oligosaccharides and galacto-oligosaccharides naturally exist in foods, scientists are attempting to produce prebiotics on an industrial scale. Considering the health benefits of prebiotics and their safety, as well as their production and storage advantages compared to probiotics, they seem to be fascinating candidates for promoting human health condition as a replacement or in association with probiotics. This review discusses different aspects of prebiotics, including their crucial role in human well-being.

Mechanisms of Action of Prebiotics and Their Effects on Gastro-Intestinal Disorders in Adults

“…IBS is a functional disorder, in which microbiota is thought to play a pivotal role. In particular, the relative lower numbers of Bifidobacteria demonstrated in diarrhea-predominant IBS has suggested the use of prebiotics in its management [114]. These results could explain, in part, why a low FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Poliols) diet, which excludes these fermentable substances, is reported to ameliorate GI symptoms in patients with IBS, suggesting the importance of finding the right equilibrium of short-chain carbohydrates for the management of these patients [115].…”

Awareness and Knowledge about Probiotics among College Students

“…Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that act as food for probiotic bacteria. By including a variety of foods in their diet, people can ensure that they consume a range of prebiotics that will in turn feed various probiotic bacteria 10 . Prebiotics like inulin and pectin show various health benefits like declining the frequency and duration of diarrhoea, relief from inflammation and symptoms of intestinal bowel disorder and prevention of colon cancer 11 .…”

An Updated Overview on Nanonutraceuticals: Focus on Nanoprebiotics and Nanoprobiotics

“…Figure 1 gives an overview of prebiotics. Several mechanisms are involved in the bioactivity of prebiotics and probiotics [69,70], as described in Figure 2. The metabolic products of such microorganisms can drop the gastrointestinal (GI) pH by carbohydrate fermentation via Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus thereby influencing mineral uptake, growth, and spread of gut microbiota, epithelial integrity, and hormonal regulation.…”