Prebiotic (nutrition) explained

Prebiotics are compounds in food that foster growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.[1] The most common environment concerning their effects on human health is the gastrointestinal tract, where prebiotics can alter the composition of organisms in the gut microbiome.

Dietary prebiotics are typically nondigestible fiber compounds that pass undigested through the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract and help growth or activity of advantageous bacteria in the colon by acting as substrates for them.[1] They were first identified and named by Marcel Roberfroid in 1995.[1] [2] Depending on the jurisdiction, they may have regulatory scrutiny as food additives for the health claims made for marketing purposes. Common prebiotics used in food manufacturing include beta-glucan from oats, resistant starch from grains and beans, and inulin from chicory root.

Definition

The definition of prebiotics and the food ingredients that can fall under this classification, has evolved since its first definition in 1995.[3] In its earliest definition, the term prebiotics was used to refer to non-digestible food ingredients that were beneficial to the host through their selective stimulation of specific bacteria within the colon.[4] Further research has suggested that selective stimulation has not been scientifically demonstrated.[5] As a result of research suggesting that prebiotics could impact microorganisms outside of the colon, in 2016 the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) produced the following definition of prebiotics: a substrate that is selectively used by a host microorganism to produce a health benefit. In 2021, The Global Prebiotic Association (GPA) defined a prebiotic as a product or ingredient that is utilized in the microbiota producing a health or performance benefit.[6]

Compounds that can be classified as prebiotics must also meet the following criteria:[6]

Thus, consumption of prebiotics may facilitate the health of the host.[7] Based on the previous classifications, plant-derived carbohydrate compounds called oligosaccharides as well as resistant starch are the main source of prebiotics that have been identified.[8] [9] [10] Specifically, fructans and galactans are two oligosaccharide sources which have been found to stimulate the activity and growth of beneficial bacterial colonies in the gut. Fructans are a category of carbohydrate consisting of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulins, while galactans consist of galactooligosaccharides. Resistant starch has been shown to shift the intestinal bacteria, as well as improve biomarkers for numerous health conditions.[11] [12] [13] Other dietary fibers also fit the definition of prebiotics, such as pectin,[14] beta-glucans,[15] and xylooligosaccharides.[16]

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the regulatory agency for product labeling, differentiates between "prebiotic" and "dietary fiber", stating that "a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of the food constituents which are the subject of the health claims and a beneficial physiological effect related to increasing numbers of gastrointestinal microbiota".[17] Consequently, under EFSA rules individual ingredients cannot be labeled as prebiotics, but only as dietary fiber and with no implication of health benefits.[17]

Function

When the prebiotic concept was first introduced in 1995, the primary focus was on the effects that prebiotics confer on Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus.[18] With improved mechanistic techniques in recent years, the current prebiotic targets have expanded to a wider range of microbes, including Roseburia spp., Eubacterium spp., Akkermansia spp., Christensenella spp., Propionibacterium spp. and Faecalibacterium spp.[19] These bacteria have been highlighted as key probiotics and beneficial gut bacteria as they may have several beneficial effects on the host in terms of improving digestion (including but not limited to enhancing mineral absorption)[20] and the effectiveness and intrinsic strength of the immune system.[21] Both Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus have been shown to have differing prebiotic specificity and to selectively ferment prebiotic fiber based on the enzymes characteristic of the bacterial population.[22] Thus, Lactobacilli prefer inulin and fructooligosaccharides, while Bifidobacteria display specificity for inulin, fructooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides. Studies have also shown that prebiotics, besides helping growth of beneficial gut bacteria, can also inhibit detrimental and potentially pathogenic microbes in the gut, such as clostridia.

Mechanism of action

Fermentation is the main mechanism of action by which prebiotics are used by beneficial bacteria in the colon. Both Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus are bacterial populations which use saccharolytic metabolism to break down substrates. The bifidobacterial genome contains many genes that encode for carbohydrate-modifying enzymes as well as genes that encode for carbohydrate uptake proteins. The presence of these genes indicates that Bifidobacteria contain specific metabolic pathways specialized for the fermentation and metabolism of plant-derived oligosaccharides, or prebiotics. These pathways in Bifidobacteria ultimately produce short chain fatty acids, which have diverse physiological roles in body functions.[23]

Sources

Prebiotic sources must be proven to confer a benefit to the host in order to be classified as a prebiotic. Fermentable carbohydrates derived from fructans and xylans are one well documented example of prebiotics. Resistant starch from starchy foods are also well documented prebiotics and have historically been the highest source of prebiotics in the diet, as 4-10% of starch in mixed diets has been shown to reach the large intestine.[24] One study reported that individuals consuming a traditional diet in Africa consumed 38 grams of resistant starch/day.[25]

Endogenous

An endogenous source of prebiotics in humans is human breast milk, which contains oligosaccharides structurally similar to galactooligosaccharides, referred to as human milk oligosaccharides.[26] Human milk oligosaccharides were found to increase the Bifidobacteria bacterial population in breastfed infants, and to strengthen the infant immune system. Furthermore, human milk oligosaccharides help establish a healthy intestinal microbiota composition in newborns.

Exogenous

Indigestible carbohydrate compounds classified as prebiotics are a type of fermentable fiber, and thus can be classified as dietary fiber. However, not all dietary fiber can be classified as a prebiotic source. In addition to the food sources highlighted in the following table, raw oats, unrefined barley, yacón, and whole grain breakfast cereals are also classified as prebiotic fiber sources. The predominant type of prebiotic fiber may vary according to the food. For instance, oats and barley have high amounts of beta-glucans, fruit and berries contain pectins, seeds contain gums, onions and Jerusalem artichokes are rich in inulin and oligofructose, and bananas and legumes contain resistant starch.[27]

Top 10 Foods Containing Prebiotics
FoodPrebiotic Fiber Content by Weight
Raw, Dry Chicory Root64.6%
Raw, Dry Jerusalem Artichoke31.5%
Raw, Dry Dandelion Greens24.3%
Raw, Dry Garlic17.5%
Raw, Dry Leek11.7%
Raw, Dry Onion8.6%
Raw Asparagus5%
Raw Wheat bran5%
Whole Wheat flour, Cooked4.8%
Raw Banana1%
Source:[28]

While there is no broad consensus on an ideal daily serving of prebiotics, recommendations typically range from 4to(-) for general digestive health support, to or more for those with active digestive disorders. Given an average serving, below are the amounts of prebiotic foods required to achieve a daily serving of prebiotic fiber:

FoodAmount of food to achieve 6 g serving of fructans
Raw Chicory Root9.3g
Raw Jerusalem Artichoke19g
Raw Dandelion Greens24.7g
Raw Garlic34.3g
Raw Leek51.3g
Raw Onion69.8g
Cooked Onion120g
Raw Asparagus120g
Raw Wheat Bran120g
Whole Wheat Flour, Cooked125g
Raw Banana600g
Source:

Research

Preliminary research has demonstrated potential effects on calcium and other mineral absorption,[29] immune system effectiveness,[30] [31] bowel acidity, reduction of colorectal cancer risk,[32] inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis),[33] hypertension[34] and defecation frequency.[35] Prebiotics may be effective in decreasing the number of infectious episodes needing antibiotics and the total number of infections in children aged 0–24 months.[36]

No good evidence shows that prebiotics are effective in preventing or treating allergies.[37]

While research demonstrates that prebiotics lead to increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA),[38] more research is required to establish a direct causal connection. Prebiotics may be beneficial to inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn's disease through production of SCFA as nourishment for colonic walls, and mitigation of ulcerative colitis symptoms.[39]

The sudden addition of substantial quantities of prebiotics to the diet may result in an increase in fermentation, leading to increased gas production, bloating or bowel movement.[40] Production of SCFA and fermentation quality are reduced during long-term diets of low fiber intake.[41] Until bacterial flora are gradually established to rehabilitate or restore intestinal bacteria, nutrient absorption may be impaired and colonic transit time temporarily increased with a rapid addition of higher prebiotic intake.[40] [42]

Genetic modification

Genetically modified plants have been created in research labs with upregulated inulin production.[43] [44]

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Hutkins RW . Krumbeck JA . Bindels LB . Cani PD . Fahey G Jr. . Goh YJ . Hamaker B . Martens EC . Mills DA . Rastal RA . Vaughan E . Sanders ME . Prebiotics: why definitions matter. Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2016. 37. 1–7. 10.1016/j.copbio.2015.09.001. 26431716. 4744122.
  2. Gibson GR, Roberfroid MB . Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics . J. Nutr. . Jun 1995 . 125 . 6 . 1401–12 . 7782892. 10.1093/jn/125.6.1401 .
  3. Gibson GR, Hutkins R, Sanders ME, Prescott SL, Reimer RA, Salminen SJ, Scott K, Stanton C, Swanson KS, Cani PD, Verbeke K, Reid G . 6 . Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics . Nature Reviews. Gastroenterology & Hepatology . 14 . 8 . 491–502 . August 2017 . 28611480 . 10.1038/nrgastro.2017.75 . 10468/4142 . 11827223 .
  4. Slavin J . Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits . Nutrients . 5 . 4 . 1417–35 . April 2013 . 23609775 . 3705355 . 10.3390/nu5041417 . free .
  5. Bindels . Laure B. . Delzenne . Nathalie M. . Cani . Patrice D. . Walter . Jens . Towards a more comprehensive concept for prebiotics . Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology . 2015 . 12 . 5 . 303–310 . 10.1038/nrgastro.2015.47 . 25824997 . 637779 .
  6. Web site: Learn more about prebiotics . Global Prebiotic Association.
  7. Lamsal BP . Production, health aspects and potential food uses of dairy prebiotic galactooligosaccharides . Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture . 92 . 10 . 2020–28 . August 2012 . 22538800 . 10.1002/jsfa.5712 . 2012JSFA...92.2020L .
  8. Zaman SA, Sarbini SR . The potential of resistant starch as a prebiotic . Critical Reviews in Biotechnology . 36 . 3 . 578–84 . 2015-07-07 . 25582732 . 10.3109/07388551.2014.993590 . 25974073 .
  9. CK Rajendran SR, Okolie CL, Udenigwe CC, Mason B . 2017-10-01. Structural features underlying prebiotic activity of conventional and potential prebiotic oligosaccharides in food and health. Journal of Food Biochemistry . en . 41 . 5 . e12389 . 10.1111/jfbc.12389 . 1745-4514. free .
  10. Bird . A. . Conlon . M. . Christophersen . C. . Topping . D. . Resistant starch, large bowel fermentation and a broader perspective of prebiotics and probiotics . Beneficial Microbes . 2010 . 1 . 4 . 423–431 . 10.3920/BM2010.0041 . 21831780 .
  11. Portincasa . Piero . Bonfrate . Leonilde . Vacca . Mirco . de Angelis . Maria . Farella . Ilaria . Lanza . Elisa . Khalil . Mohamad . Wang . David Q-H . Sperandio . Markus . Di Ciaula . Agostino . Gut Microbiota and short chain fatty acids: implications in glucose homeostasis . Int J Mol Sci . 2022 . 23 . 3 . 1105 . 10.3390/ijms23031105 . 35163038 . 8835596 . free .
  12. Warman . Dwina Juliana . Jia . Huijuan . Kato . Hisanori . The potential roles of probiotics, resistant starch and resistant proteins in ameliorating inflammation during aging (Inflammaging) . Nutrients . 2022 . 14 . 4 . 747 . 10.3390/nu14040747 . 35215397 . 8879781 . free .
  13. Li . Cheng . Hu . Yiming . New definition of resistant starch types from the Gut Microbiota perspectives - a review . Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition . 2022 . 63 . 23 . 6412–6422 . 10.1080/10408398.2022.2031101 . 35075962 . 246277434 .
  14. Gómez B, Gullón B, Remoroza C, Schols HA, Parajó JC, Alonso JL . Purification, characterization, and prebiotic properties of pectic oligosaccharides from orange peel wastes . Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry . 62 . 40 . 9769–82 . October 2014 . 25207862 . 10.1021/jf503475b .
  15. Arena MP, Caggianiello G, Fiocco D, Russo P, Torelli M, Spano G, Capozzi V . Barley β-glucans-containing food enhances probiotic performances of beneficial bacteria . International Journal of Molecular Sciences . 15 . 2 . 3025–39 . February 2014 . 24562330 . 3958897 . 10.3390/ijms15023025 . free .
  16. Linares-Pasten JA, Aronsson A, Karlsson EN . Structural Considerations on the Use of Endo-Xylanases for the Production of prebiotic Xylooligosaccharides from Biomass . Current Protein & Peptide Science . 19 . 1 . 48–67 . 2017 . 27670134 . 5738707 . 10.2174/1389203717666160923155209 .
  17. Delcour JA, Aman P, Courtin CM, Hamaker BR, Verbeke K . Prebiotics, Fermentable Dietary Fiber, and Health Claims . Advances in Nutrition . 7 . 1 . 1–4 . January 2016 . 26773010 . 4717894 . 10.3945/an.115.010546 .
  18. Pandey KR, Naik SR, Vakil BV . Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics- a review . Journal of Food Science and Technology . 52 . 12 . 7577–87 . December 2015 . 26604335 . 4648921 . 10.1007/s13197-015-1921-1 .
  19. Cunningham . Marla . Azcarate-Peril . M. Andrea . Barnard . Alan . Benoit . Valerie . Grimaldi . Roberta . Guyonnet . Denis . Holscher . Hannah D. . Hunter . Kirsty . Manarung . Sarmauli . Obis . David . Petrova . Mariya I. . Steinert . Robert E. . Swanson . Kelly S. . van Sinderen . Douwe . Vulevic . Jelena . Gibson . Glenn R. . Shaping the future of probiotics and prebiotics . Trends in Microbiology . 2021 . 29 . 8 . 667–685 . 10.1016/j.tim.2021.01.003 . 33551269 . 231864275 . free .
  20. Coxam V . Current data with inulin-type fructans and calcium, targeting bone health in adults . The Journal of Nutrition . 137 . 11 Suppl . 2527S–33S . November 2007 . 17951497 . 10.1093/jn/137.11.2527S . free .
  21. Seifert S, Watzl B . Inulin and oligofructose: review of experimental data on immune modulation . The Journal of Nutrition . 137 . 11 Suppl . 2563S–67S . November 2007 . 17951503 . 10.1093/jn/137.11.2563S . free .
  22. Wilson B, Whelan K . Prebiotic inulin-type fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides: definition, specificity, function, and application in gastrointestinal disorders . Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology . 32 . 64–68 . March 2017 . Suppl 1 . 28244671 . 10.1111/jgh.13700 . free .
  23. Byrne CS, Chambers ES, Morrison DJ, Frost G . The role of short chain fatty acids in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis . International Journal of Obesity . 39 . 9 . 1331–38 . September 2015 . 25971927 . 4564526 . 10.1038/ijo.2015.84 .
  24. Cassidy . A. . Bingham . S.A. . Cummings . J.H. . Starch intake and colorectal cancer risk: an international comparison . Br J Cancer . 1994 . 69 . 5 . 937–942 . 10.1038/bjc.1994.181 . 8180027 . 1968884 .
  25. O'Keefe . Stephen J.D. . etal . Fat, fibre and cancer risk in African Americans and rural Africans . Nat Commun . 2015 . 6 . 6342 . 10.1038/ncomms7342 . 25919227 . 4415091 . 2015NatCo...6.6342O .
  26. Enam F, Mansell TJ . Prebiotics: tools to manipulate the gut microbiome and metabolome . Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology . 46 . 9–10 . 1445–59 . October 2019 . 31201649 . 10.1007/s10295-019-02203-4 . 189819499 . free .
  27. Web site: Definitions of fiber. Micronutrient Information Center, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. 1 April 2012. 27 February 2019.
  28. Moshfegh AJ, Friday JE, Goldman JP, Ahuja JK . Presence of inulin and oligofructose in the diets of Americans . Journal of Nutrition . July 1999 . 129 . 7 Suppl . 1407S–11S . 10395608. 10.1093/jn/129.7.1407S . free .
  29. Scholz-Ahrens KE, Schrezenmeir J . Inulin and oligofructose and mineral metabolism: the evidence from animal trials . J. Nutr. . Nov 2007 . 137 . 11 Suppl . 2513S–23S . 17951495. 10.1093/jn/137.11.2513S . free .
  30. Lomax AR, Calder PC . Prebiotics, immune function, infection and inflammation: a review of the evidence . Br J Nutr . Mar 2009 . 101 . 5 . 633–58 . 18814803 . 10.1017/S0007114508055608. free .
  31. Lohner S, Küllenberg D, Antes G, Decsi T, Meerpohl JJ. Prebiotics in healthy infants and children for prevention of acute infectious diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2014. 72. 8. 523–31. 10.1111/nure.12117. 24903007. free.
  32. Geier MS, Butler RN, Howarth GS . Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics: a role in chemoprevention for colorectal cancer? . Cancer Biol. Ther. . Oct 2006 . 5 . 10 . 1265–69 . 16969130 . 10.4161/cbt.5.10.3296.
  33. Hedin C, Whelan K, Lindsay JO . Evidence for the use of probiotics and prebiotics in inflammatory bowel disease: a review of clinical trials . Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. Aug 2007 . 66 . 3 . 307–15 . 17637082 . 10.1017/S0029665107005563. free .
  34. Int J Mol Sci. 2009. 10. 8. 3517–30. 10.3390/ijms10083517. Antihypertensive properties of plant-based prebiotics. Yeo SK, Ooi LG, Lim TJ, Liong MT. 20111692. 2812835. free.
  35. Br J Nutr. 2010. 104. Suppl 2. S1–63. 10.1017/S0007114510003363. Prebiotic effects: metabolic and health benefits . Roberfroid M, etal . 20920376. free.
  36. Book: Probiotics and prebiotics : current research and future trends . 2015 . Koen Venema, Ana Paula do Carmo . 978-1-910190-10-4 . Caister Academic Press. Norfolk, UK . 916950998.
  37. Cuello-Garcia C, Fiocchi A, Pawankar R, Yepes-Nuñez JJ, Morgano GP, Zhang Y, Agarwal A, Gandhi S, Terracciano L, Schünemann HJ, Brozek JL . Prebiotics for the prevention of allergies: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials . Clin. Exp. Allergy . 47 . 11 . 1468–77 . November 2017 . 29035013 . 10.1111/cea.13042 . 7314418 . Systematic review.
  38. Macfarlane S, Macfarlane GT, Cummings JH . Review article: prebiotics in the gastrointestinal tract . Aliment Pharmacol Ther. Sep 2006 . 24 . 5 . 701–14 . 16918875 . 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.03042.x. 21956124 . free .
  39. Br J Nutr. 2005. 93. Suppl 1. S61–65. Inulin and oligofructose: impact on intestinal diseases and disorders. Guarner F. 15877897. 10.1079/BJN20041345. free.
  40. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2004. 38. Suppl 6. S67–69. Tolerance of probiotics and prebiotics. Marteau P, Seksik P. 15220662. 10.1097/01.mcg.0000128929.37156.a7.
  41. El Oufir L, Flourié B, Bruley des Varannes S, Barry JL, Cloarec D, Bornet F, Galmiche JP . Relations between transit time, fermentation products, and hydrogen consuming flora in healthy humans . Gut . Jun 1996 . 38 . 6 . 870–77 . 8984026 . 1383195 . 10.1136/gut.38.6.870.
  42. Givson GR, Willems A, Reading S, Collins MD . 1996 . Fermentation of non-digestible oligosaccharides by human colonic bacteria . Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 55 . 3. 899–912 . 10.1079/PNS19960087 . 9004332 . free .
  43. Ritsema T, Smeekens SC . Engineering fructan metabolism in plants . J Plant Physiol . 2003 . 160 . 811–20 . 10.1078/0176-1617-01029 . 12940548 . 7.
  44. Weyens G, Ritsema T, Van Dun K, Meyer D, Lommel M, Lathouwers J, Rosquin I, Denys P, Tossens A, Nijs M, Turk S, Gerrits N, Bink S, Walraven B, Lefèbvre M, Smeekens S . Production of tailor-made fructans in sugar beet by expression of onion fructosyltransferase genes . Plant Biotechnol J . 2004 . 2 . 321–27 . 10.1111/j.1467-7652.2004.00074.x . 17134393 . 4. 1874/11465 . 42177275 . free .

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Prebiotic (nutrition)".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.