Bacterial metabolism and health-related effects of galacto-oligosaccharides and other prebiotics

Abstract

Summary Most studies involving prebiotic oligosaccharides have been carried out using inulin and its fructo‐oligosaccharide (FOS) derivatives, together with various forms of galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS). Although many intestinal bacteria are able to grow on these carbohydrates, most investigations have demonstrated that the growth of bifidobacteria, and to a lesser degree lactobacilli, is particularly favoured. Because of their safety, stability, organoleptic properties, resistance to digestion in the upper bowel and fermentability in the colon, as well as their abilities to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, these prebiotics are being increasingly incorporated into the Western diet. Inulin‐derived oligosaccharides and GOS are mildly laxative, but can result in flatulence and osmotic diarrhoea if taken in large amounts. However, their effects on large bowel habit are relatively minor. Although the literature dealing with the health significance of prebiotics is not as extensive as that concerning probiotics, considerable evidence has accrued showing that consumption of GOS and FOS can have significant health benefits, particularly in relation to their putative anti‐cancer properties, influence on mineral absorption, lipid metabolism, and anti‐inflammatory and other immune effects such as atopic disease. In many instances, prebiotics seem to be more effective when used as part of a synbiotic combination.

The bifidogenic effect of inulin and oligofructose and its consequences for gut health

“…The effects of these prebiotics in people with gut diseases (for example, see MacFarlane et al, 2008;Hedin et al, 2007;Heilpern and Szilagyi, 2008) are beyond the scope of this review.…”

Effects of tea combined with high-protein meal replacement shakes on anthropometric measurements, lipid profiles, cellular biochemistry, neurochemistry, and microbial metabolism: a prospective observational study

“…The cleansing products also contain ingredients, such as fructo-oligosaccharide derivatives or various forms of galacto-oligosaccharides, that meet the criteria to be classified as prebiotics. 18 Recommendations for dietary interventions with probiotic and/or prebiotic nutritional components suggest that alleviating dysbiosis, an imbalance of intestinal bacteria and/or elevated levels of fungi, would restore the optimal microbial ecology of the gut. [18][19][20] Recent evidence is beginning to indicate a relationship between the microbial ecology of the gut and obesity.…”

“…18 Recommendations for dietary interventions with probiotic and/or prebiotic nutritional components suggest that alleviating dysbiosis, an imbalance of intestinal bacteria and/or elevated levels of fungi, would restore the optimal microbial ecology of the gut. [18][19][20] Recent evidence is beginning to indicate a relationship between the microbial ecology of the gut and obesity. [20][21][22] Prebiotics may have significant health benefits on lipid metabolism, mineral absorption, and immune function via their beneficial influences on microbial ecology of the gut.…”

“…[20][21][22] Prebiotics may have significant health benefits on lipid metabolism, mineral absorption, and immune function via their beneficial influences on microbial ecology of the gut. 18,20,23,24 However, there are limited clinical data on the role of microflora management interventions on weight loss and improved health status. [25][26][27] Reliable and valid methodologies to measure microbial ecology of the gut are essential to determine the effectiveness of microflora management interventions, that is, probiotics and prebiotics.…”

Fermentation products: immunological effects on human and animal models

“…Both probiotic-and prebiotic-containing formulas have been shown to have bifidogenic effects (7,8). Probiotics are "live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host" (9).…”