Last updated on March 29th, 2023 at 05:14 pm
I know it’s been awhile for this movie reference but I hope some of you got it (hint: it’s in the title). Now to the main feature, prebiotics.
The basics of prebiotics
Prebiotics are a group of nutrients that are broken down by microbiota which are resident in the gut. They are defined as selectively fermented ingredients that result in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefits upon host health. They can also be described as foods that we cannot digest by ourselves which promote the growth of ‘good bacteria’ in our intestines. That’s a bit easier to understand than the first definition. The good bacteria in our gut feed on prebiotics and produce short-chain fatty acids. These are then absorbed by the body and are beneficial to the rest of the body. There are three main categories of beneficial prebiotics: Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Trans-galacto-oligosaccharides (TOS).
Probiotics vs Prebiotics
Probiotics vs Prebiotics can be confusing but think of it like this. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, especially your digestive system. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria that are in your intestinal system. If you need more good bacteria in the first place you may need more probiotics. Check out our recent article on The How, When and Why of Probiotics.
How do Prebiotics work?
Prebiotics selectively provide energy sources for the different gut microbiota. By so doing Prebiotics modulate the composition of the microbiota found in the gut as well as their function. Some byproducts of fermentation by a type of gut bacteria can be used as a substrate for another bacteria’s fermentation. This is called cross-feeding. The byproducts of the fermentation of Prebiotics have been found to be beneficial in lung immunity, colon pH control, and general innate immunity. FOSs have been found to alleviate the symptoms of subjects that were suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It has also been shown that prebiotics could have a protective effect against colorectal cancer and its progression.
Prebiotics are found in many food sources such as honey, onion. Chicory, wheat, honey, peas, beans, seaweed, garlic, microalgae, and beets. They are however found in low concentrations in these foods and as such, scientists have worked to isolate them and produce them industrially. These commercial prebiotics are made using lactose, starch, and sucrose as raw materials. FOSs, in particular, are found in about 36,000 plants but in none of these are they found in adequate quantities for them to have a prebiotic effect in the body.
How can you get more prebiotics?
As we previously discussed, prebiotics are not found in adequate amounts for them to be effective in most food sources. To obtain the proper amount of prebiotics you can take dietary supplements that are specially formulated. There are many Prebiotics currently available on the market but you need to get one that has been tested and its also important to ensure your prebiotic doesn’t feed bad gut bacteria but only feeds good gut bacteria. We have a few options below.
It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure you’re taking something that will benefit you and won’t cause any unexpected side effects.
MegaPre by Microbiome Labs
MegaPre (Capsules or Mango Powder) is a cutting-edge Precision Prebiotic supplement made up of clinically-tested, non-digestible oligosaccharides that can increase microbial diversity and selectively feed beneficial, keystone bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Bifidobacteria.
MegaPre (Capsules or Mango Powder) is a Precision Prebiotic that is made up of non digestible oligosaccharides that selectively increase microbial growth of keystone bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila, has been shown to play a key role in metabolism and it also promotes fat loss. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii increases the production of butyrate which maintains healthy intestinal cells. Bifidobacteria also does the same as F. prausnitzii and it promotes lean body mass. MegaPre is highly recommended as a product that you can use to Reinforce your gut microbiota and improve your general gut health.
MegaPre contains a proprietary blend of functional fibers that specifically feed these keystone bacteria. This unique blend is made up of clinically-tested-and-published, non-digestible oligosaccharides, derived from non-GMO green and gold kiwi fruit, non-GMO corn cob, and rBST-free cow’s milk
| Source | Prebiotic Fiber |
|---|---|
| Non-GMO green and gold kiwifruit | Fructooligosaccharides |
| Non-GMO corn cob | Xylooligosaccharides |
| rBST-free cow’s milk | Galactooligosaccharides |
The findings of these oligosaccharide studies are quite impressive:
- FOS increased populations of A. mucin by 8,000% in 5 weeks
- FOS increased populations of F. prau by 100% in 4 weeks
- GOS increased populations of Bifido by 10% in 6 weeks
- XOS increased populations of Bifido by 9% in 8 weeks
Increasing populations of these protective bacteria is an integral part of reinforcing a healthy gut microbiome.
REFERENCES
- Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms and Clinical Applications https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6463098/
- Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7782892/
- Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of fructooligosaccharides in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11101487/
- Human intestinal microbiota: cross-talk with the host and its potential role in colorectal cancer https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20874522/
- MegaPre https://microbiomelabs.com/home/products/megapre/
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