Relationship of Prebiotics and Food to Intestinal Microflora

JOURNAL: European Journal of Nutrition: Eur J Nutr 41 Suppl 1: 11-6.

AUTHORS: Blaut, M. (2002).

Prebiotics are non-digestible but fermentable oligosaccharides that specifically change the composition and activity of the intestinal microflora to promote the health of the host. Dietary fiber and non-digestible oligosaccharides are the main growth substrates of intestinal microflora. In spite of the interesting nutritional properties of prebiotics, it is questionable whether a wholesome diet rich in fruit and vegetables needs to be supplemented with prebiotics for optimal health effects.