Description

Prebiotics are natural components of food that cannot be digested or absorbed in our digestive system. In the large intestine, prebiotics serve as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, stimulating their growth and activity. They also enhance digestion, improve nutrient absorption, support gastrointestinal health, and help strengthen the immune system.

Prebiotics not only promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria but are also beneficial in preventing certain diseases such as some types of cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, allergies, and gastrointestinal infections. Additionally, they aid in the absorption of minerals like calcium, help prevent obesity, and relieve constipation.

Prebiotics in Our Diet
Prebiotics come in various forms and are classified as oligosaccharides. These substances naturally occur in foods and in breast milk. By increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains—such as bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, beans, and whole grain products—we can incorporate more prebiotics into our daily diet.

Due to their benefits in balancing gut bacteria and promoting digestive health, prebiotics are also added to certain foods such as biscuits, dairy products, and milk, or are available as dietary supplements.

Studies conducted on infants show that prebiotics improve immune function, reduce the risk of allergies, enhance gastrointestinal health and digestion, and have beneficial effects on metabolism and overall health. For this reason, some infant formulas are enriched with prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), which help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and support digestive health in infants.