Prebiotics: overview of the results of studies in humans

E. Wisker, Kiel

Prebiotics are dietary components applied to influence the composition or activity of the colonic flora. At present prebiotics are selected according to their potential to stimulate the growth of lactic acid producing bacteria . Fructose polymers (fructo-oligosaccharides, inulin), galacto-oligosaccharides and soy oligosaccharides are prebiotically active.

Inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides stimulated the growth of bifidobacteria, but not of lactobacilli in adults. The effects of galacto-oligosccharides in adults were contradictory. In infants, a mixture of galacto-oligosaccharides and inulin has been found bifidogenic. The significance for health of growing counts of bifidobacteria has not been explained so far. Prebiotics enhance the absorption of calcium and magnesium.

There is no experimental evidence to assume a lipid-lowering action in humans as has been found in animal experiments. This could be due to the restricted tolerance of indigestible oligosaccharides in humans. In animals, fructans have shown a favourable influence on experimental carcinogenesis. Whether or not these findings may be transferred to humans remains open.EU12/02

Keywords: Prebiotics / studies in humans / results

Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs-Umschau 12/02 ab Seite468.