Prebiotics: A Review of Therapeutic Potential

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon. Prebiotics are reported for various activities, particularly for protective role in colon cancer and inflammatory intestinal conditions, immune modulation, curbing obesity, metal sequestering, glucose intolerance, hypolipidemic activity, antimicrobial activity and anticarcinogenic activity. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are reported to have a prominent role in the alteration of cecal microbiota, cecal pH, cecal weight, and serum lipid levels, and also an inhibitory effect on precancerous colon lesions. Lactulose and its metabolites draw water into the bowel, causing a cathartic effect through osmotic action. Mannanoligosaccharides influenced the solubility of nutrients by their higher water binding capacity and also increase calcium absorption and possibly magnesium absorption, while promoting intestinal bacteria. Inulin has a minimal impact on blood sugar and in sharp contrast to fructose it is not insulemic and does not raise triglycerides, making it generally considered suitable for diabetics. Isomalto-oligosaccharides favorably modulate serum cholesterol in normal cholesteremics as compared to FOS and inulins which are more active only in hypercholesteremics. Prebiotics are mostly combined with foods and beverages and incorporated into biscuits, confectionery, cereals, dairy products, drinks, infant formula feeds and weaning foods. With increasing significance of gastrointestinal health and its positive effect on prevention of various other diseases, role of Prebiotics alone or in synergistic combination with probiotics is now well recognized and studies are ongoing regarding development of synergistic formulations utilizing various polymers.