PREBIOTICS
BACKGROUND First identified and defined in 1995 by Marcel Roberfroid. Nondigestible food ingredients (usually carbs.) that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon. Consists of specific carbohydrates which target a specific bacterial strain in an attempt to produce a desired effect. Primarily consist of oligosaccharides. Has been previously referred to as dietary fiber.
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics What's the difference? Prebiotics are a dietary fiber, and/or a specific complex carb., that triggers the growth of select bacteria that have favorable effects on the intestinal flora. Probiotics, however, are live micro-organisms contained in the food we eat. They remain intact throughout the digestive process, and deliver healthy bacteria directly to the large intestine. Since probiotics do not stimulate metabolic activity, they provide a different set of benefits than prebiotics. Both sets of benefits are valuable for our health wellness, and have a synergistic effect to provide numerous health benefits.
GOALS OF PREBIOTICS To be able to manipulate the metabolic activities of the bacterial population in the colon to promote general health. To be able to manipulate the metabolic activities of the bacterial population in the colon to assist in alleviating several conditions (Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and many others) that have recently been associated with the GI flora.
SETBACKS As of current, there is a major lack in standardized procedures for testing theories/uses of prebiotics! Due to the massive number of bacterial strains (estimated at 500+) and the surface area of the GI tract, it is virtually impossible to identify all of them w/o establishing an extensive cataloging system. In addition the the massive variety, their concentrations are also unknown...again, an extensive cataloging system combined with sufficient sample data to establish a standard normal range for each strain.
SOURCES The most common type of prebiotic is from the soluble dietary fiber inulin. Inulin is common in many plants which contain fructan, most of which are eaten as vegetables. A NOT all inclusive list of the most common are (and yes, uncooked is better!!!): Jerusalem Artichoke Asparagus Garlic Onion Leek
PREBIOTIC CONTENT Amount to achieve Food % By Weight 6 gram serving Raw Chicory Root 64.60% 9.3g (about 1/3 oz) Raw Jerusalem Artichoke 31.50% 19g (about 3/4 oz) Raw Dandelion Greens 24.30% 24.7g (just under 1 oz) Raw Garlic 17.50% 34.3 g (about 1.2 oz) Raw Leek 11.70% 51.3g (about 1.8 oz) Raw Onion 8.60% 69.8g (about 2.5 oz) Cooked Onion 5.00% 120g (about 1/4 lb) Raw Asparagus 5.00% 120g (about 1/4 lb) Raw Wheat Bran 5.00% 120g (about 1/4 lb) Whole Wheat Flour, Cooked 4.80% 125g (about 1/4 lb) Raw Banana 1.00% 600g (about 1.3 lb)
A Quick FYI Slide Jerusalem Artichoke, not your typical artichoke, ehh?
SUMMARY
References All photos are used under the Fair Use Act and were found on Google's image search as royalty free and reproducible w/o permission. http://www.cdc.gov http://www.prebiotic.ca http://www.abbottnutrition.com http://en.wikipedia.org
TEST QUESTIONS True/False: Prebiotics are specific carb's which target specific strains of bacteria in the GI tract? True The primary goal of Prebiotics is to: A. Increase the regularity of bowel movements B. Manipulate metabolic activity of target GI bacteria to produce a desired effect C. Get you to spend money on the next medical gimmick D. None of the above (Answer: B) True/False: The largest drawback to the Prebiotic field is the cataloging of bacteria has become so extensive that nobody understands it anymore. False there is not enough cataloging done yet to completely understand Prebiotics Prebiotics were first identified in 1995 by A. Marcel Roberfroid B. Pfizer Corporation C. Jason Krodel D. Dr. Carman True/False: Prebiotics are actively being used to treat several conditions associated with the GI tract. False Research is currently being conducted as to the possibility of using them as treatment.