These are substances that are used by the normal intestinal flora. The word "prebiotic" means "the prerequisite for life". Prebiotics are part of dietary fiber and also the carbohydrates that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial intestinal bacteria (such as bifidobacteria), thereby preventing the growth of harmful and pathogenic microorganisms in the body.
Other effects of "prebiotics" include:
1. Preventing constipation: "Prebiotics" make stools softer and easier to remove. As a result, they prevent constipation.
2. Lowering blood fat: "Prebiotics" reduce blood fat.
3. Strengthening the immune System: "Prebiotics" increase immunity and reduce inflammatory bowel disease.
4. Absorbing useful compounds: "Prebiotics" cause better absorption of "iron", "calcium", and "zinc" (zinc).
Prebiotics include inulin, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs).
References:
Akkerman, Renate, Marijke M. Faas, and Paul de Vos. "Non-digestible carbohydrates in infant formula as substitution for human milk oligosaccharide functions: Effects on microbiota and gut maturation." Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2019): 1486-1497.
Borewicz, Klaudyna, et al. "The effect of prebiotic fortified infant formulas on microbiota composition and dynamics in early life." Scientific reports (2019): 2434.
Morelli, Lorenzo, Vania Patrone, and Angelo Pietrobelli. "Prebiotics in infant nutrition: a critical appraisal." (2018)