Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics Original paper
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Divine Aleru
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Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This paper reviews the evolution and current understanding of prebiotics, expanding the definition beyond simple non-digestible carbohydrates to include substances that selectively benefit microbiota. It also explores the effects of prebiotics on gut health, as well as their potential applications beyond food, such as in animal health and extraintestinal sites.
Who was reviewed?
The review centers on the work of previous experts in the field, including those who developed and refined the definition of prebiotics. It examines the studies on specific prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), the methodologies used to assess their impact on microbiota, and their evolving applications, including in animals and non-digestible substrates.
What were the most important findings?
The most significant finding is the updated definition of prebiotics, now including non-carbohydrate substances that selectively support health-promoting microbiota. The review highlights the broadening scope of prebiotics to include not just gut health but also their effects on other body sites like the skin and vaginal tract. It emphasizes that the health benefits of prebiotics depend on their selective fermentation by specific microorganisms, with new methods like high-throughput sequencing providing deeper insights into microbiota interactions.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The implications are critical for clinicians and regulators, providing clearer definitions and guidelines for the use of prebiotics. It advocates for more robust clinical studies and evidence-based research to establish the health benefits of prebiotics across different populations and conditions. It also opens the door for broader applications, suggesting that prebiotics could be used in personalized medicine strategies for optimizing health outcomes through microbiota modulation.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that selectively promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, offering a range of health benefits from improved digestion and immune function to enhanced metabolic health. Prebiotics are an essential part of a healthy diet that supports both gut and overall well-being.