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Information for ParentsInformation provided is for promotion of health and is not to replace medical consultation. Prebiotics Prebiotics are
defined as “nondigestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the
host by selectively stimulating the growth of one or a limited number of
bacterial species in the colon, such as Bifidobacteria
and Lactobacilli, which have the
potential to improve health of the person.”
They are short chains of
sugar polymers which are partially or not digested by humans.
Examples include fructo-oligosaccharide, inulin, and
galacto-oligosaccharides. The
undigested portion of these polymers serves as food for intestinal flora.
Prebiotics have several important functions:
anti-microbial action, modulating effects on blood glucose level and
facilitation of calcium absorption. The
anti-microbial function is achieved through promoting the growth of bifidobacteria
and lactobacillus, commonly known as probiotics.
These bacteria help to re-inforce the integrity of the covering
layer of the intestines, stimulate the production of surface antibody and
crowd out the pathogenic bacteria. The
oligosaccharides also increase the transit time of small intestine and
reduce the production of free glucose in the blood.
Some studies also show that they help in calcium absorption and
protect against osteoporosis. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are naturally found in chicory, onion, and
asparagus while galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are found in soybean. Higher
doses, especially when taken as nutritional supplements, may cause
intestinal symptoms such as bloatedness and diarrhea.
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