Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that provide an energy source for beneficial probiotic bacteria in the gut. They are also commonly referred to as fermentable fiber. Prebiotics occur naturally in a wide variety of different foods, most frequently in the high-fiber foods, including certain fruits, vegetables and grains.

Most prebiotic oligosaccharides are classified as oligosaccharides, a type of sugar. The two most commonly found in foods and supplements are galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). Some of the main sources are fermented sugar cane and inulin that is obtained from from chicory and the Jerusalem artichoke.

These sugars are synbiotic with probiotics which are the beneficial, or friendly, bacteria that exist in the gut. By acting as a food source, prebiotics give the probiotic bacteria a fighting chance to stay alive and thrive in the intestines.

Probiotics are believed to have many health benefits, from aiding digestion to giving our immune systems a boost. But stress, a poor diet, certain medical conditions, medications and other factors may decrease the number of friendly bacteriamicroflora (as probiotics are often called). Eating a diet rich in that includes prebiotics and probiotics can help make sure you have a healthy balance of good bacteria in the body.

To some, the benefits of probiotics are controversial, and more studies are needed to to find out how effective they truly are in helping solve digestive problems. Preliminary evidence shows that prebiotics may increase the survival rate of probiotic bacteria in the intestines. Because of this, if you are considering a probiotic supplement, you’re likely to see more benefits if it also contains a prebiotic.

They also are added to some dietary supplements and some processed foods, such as yogurt, drink mixes and meal-replacement bars. Be sure to read all labels and make sure that the products you’re buying actually contain live bacteria. This is important because not all products that have prebiotics are labeled as such.

Prebiotics can be added to food, mixed with drinks or taken as capsules and chewables.

Currently, there are no established doses for prebiotics. Some practitioners suggest you should get 3 to 8 grams a day to get the most beneficial results. In some cases, use of prebiotics may cause intestinal gas. To be on the safe side, you may want to check with your physician prior to taking prebiotics or any other supplement.

More about Prebiotics:

Almonds – Deliciously Prebiotic

Recently published work by the Institute of Food Research has identified potential prebiotic properties of almonds that could help improve our digestive health by increasing levels of beneficial gut bacteria. 

Prebiotics from Marine Macroalgae

The marine environment is an untapped source of bioactive compounds. Specifically, marine macroalgae (seaweeds) are rich in polysaccharides that could potentially be exploited as prebiotic functional ingredients for both human and [...]

Find Digestive Health With Prebiotics

You don’t digest prebiotics they live in your intestinal tract and stimulate further beneficial bacterial growth. They keep the other bacteria healthy.

The Health Benefits Of Prebiotics

Derived from carbohydrate fibers called oligosaccharides prebiotics stimulate the good bacterial growth to keep you healthy. These fibers can be found in such foods as fruit, whole grains, yogurt and whole grains.

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