About Author: Mr. Rupajit Bhattacharjee, M.Pharm
What are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are components present in foods, or that can be incorporated into foods, which yield health benefits related to their interactions with the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
Prebiotics can be defined as “nondigestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth of one or a limited number of bacterial species in the colon, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which have the potential to improve host health.” Prebiotics are, simply speaking, the “food” for beneficial bacteria.
Reference ID: PHARMATUTOR-ART-1097
Prebiotics and their Sources
The prebiotics are generally found in foods we eat. It can also be incorporated into foods. The Table 1 shows the components of prebiotics and Table 2 shows the prebiotics incorporated into foods.
Table 1: Components of prebiotics with their sources:
|
Component |
Source |
Potential Benefit |
|
Prebiotics from foods:- Inulin, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Polydextrose, Arabinogalactan, Polyols—lactulose, lactitol, Xylo-oligosaccharides, Transgalacto-oligosaccharides, etc. |
Whole grains, onions, bananas, garlic, honey, leeks, artichokes, fortified foods and beverages, dietary supplements and other food applications |
Improve gastrointestinal health; improve calcium absorption |
Table 2: Prebiotics incorporated into foods:
|
Food Products |
Source |
Potential Benefit |
|
1. Nutren Fibre® [powd] 2. Bioplus prebiotic cap/chewable tab. 3. Sun Fiber (powd) |
1.Nestle 2.Kendy Nutraceuticals, USA 3.Taiyo Lucid Pvt. Ltd.(TLPL)/ Japan |
1. Diarrhea & constipation, malnutrition, lactose intolerance. 2. Improve GIT function, modulation of gut microflora. 3. Boost immune system |
Mechanism of action: Prebiotics acts by following mechanisms:
1. Increases the amount of lactic acid producing bacteria e.g. Inulin & Oligofructose.
2. Increases the amount of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs).
3. Activates carbohydrate receptor immune cells.
4. Increase absorption of vitamins and minerals (calcium & magnesium).
Health Benefits of Prebiotics
1. Improve bowel function, 2. Increase stool frequency, 3. Increase stool weight, 4. Increase production of short-chain fatty acids, 5. Promote the growth of the health promoting bacteria Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, 6. Restore gut microflora during or after antibiotic therapy, 7. Inulin can reduce insulin concentrations and lowered triglyceride levels.
Indications
1. Therapeutically useful in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and colorectal diseases.
2. Prevention of Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea and the treatment of Clostridium difficile Disease.
Contraindications
Prebiotics like Lactulose is contraindicated in those who require low galactose diet.
Potential Adverse Effects of Prebiotics
GI Disturbances: Constipation/ Abdominal pain/ Flatulence/ Bloating
Conclusion
The primary role of a diet is not only to provide enough nutrients to fulfill metabolic requirements of the body but also to modulate various functions of the body. The prebiotics facilitate the growth of the beneficial gut microflora, which can be suitably harnessed by the food manufacturers and hold considerable promise for health care industry.
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