Prebiotics are substances that nourish specific microorganisms in the intestine, favoring the growth of populations of beneficial bacteria (generally the prebiotics are polysaccharides and oligosaccharides).
The intestinal microbiota of the user, since the number of bifidobacteria prior to the start of treatment is very important, for example in the adult population 3g/day may be sufficient, for this reason an examination of the intestinal microbiota is recommended.
- They stimulate the increase in the population of bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, responsible for the fermentation process in the colon.
- They produce a decrease in the stomach pH, managing to control the populations of the most harmful microorganisms.
- At the blood level, they have various functions such as the reduction of cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipid levels, the absorption of minerals and the reduction of glucose levels, among others.
- They improve intestinal defenses against intestinal infections.
- They reduce the time of intestinal transit and have a laxative effect, which can lead to diarrhea or an upset stomach if the dose is not properly regulated.
We have the following types of prebiotics:
- Inulin: It is a dietary fiber.
- Oligofructose: it is obtained by the enzymatic hydrolysis of inulin.
- Pectic substances
- Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)
- Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)
The effectiveness will depend on two factors:
The type of oligosaccharide selected although the average dose to increase the population of bifidobacteria is 15g/day.
The intestinal microbiota of the user, since the number of bifidobacteria prior to the start of treatment is very important, for example in the adult population 3g/day may be sufficient, for this reason an examination of the intestinal microbiota is recommended.
