Prebiotics are special plant fibers that are degraded by the gut microbiota. The gut microbiome refers to the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, some of which are "good" bacteria that boost the body's immune system and help fight inflammation. Prebiotics are a source of food for these bacteria in the gut. It acts as a fertilizer, feeding the gut microbiota and selectively stimulating the growth and activity of healthy bacteria in the gut. When prebiotics are degraded by the gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate are produced, and these degradation products are released into the blood circulation to improve metabolic health.
It is worth noting the difference between prebiotics and probiotics. Although the names are similar, the meanings are completely different. Prebiotics are a group of nutrients, while probiotics refer to live yeasts (saccharomyces) and bacteria (lactobacillus, bifidobacteria) that live in the body and are live organisms.
Food Sources
Prebiotics are carbohydrates that the body cannot digest and are found in many fruits, vegetables and whole grains, especially those that contain complex carbohydrates. The following foods are good sources of prebiotics.
- Chicory root, konjac root, burdock root, yacon root, jicama root.
- Dandelion greens, jerusalem artichoke, asparagus.
- Garlic, onion, leeks.
- Whole oats, barley, wheat bran.
- Bananas, apples.
Functional Oligosaccharides
Known as "prebiotics," oligosaccharides are carbohydrates that occur naturally in a range of plant foods. Among the functional oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharides, xylo-oligosaccharides and stachyose all act as bifidus factors and provide a series of health benefits. There has been extensive research on fructo-oligosaccharides and galacto-oligosaccharides, both of which meet the needs of prebiotics in great part. In summary, these functional oligosaccharides have attracted a lot of attention in the food industry and are rapidly developing. This is because they combine the properties of dietary fiber and bifidus factors, and will not cause tooth decay or raise blood sugar after consumption.
We provide the following six functional oligosaccharides with "prebiotic" properties. Please click on the pictures below to view more information about the functional oligosaccharides.
Microalgae
Microalgae are also considered prebiotics. Microalgae are one of the oldest plants and can only be seen under a microscope. They are rich in high-value nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, lipids, algal polysaccharides, β-carotene, unsaturated fatty acids, and various inorganic elements. They are considered to be a valuable source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In addition to providing the nutrients the body needs, microalgae are also beneficial to the body's immune system. The most common prebiotics of microalgae are chlorella vulgaris and spirulina. Chlorella vulgaris and spirulina are both used as raw materials for health supplements and functional foods due to their rich nutrition and powerful functions. Chlorella vulgaris helps to improve gastric ulcers, constipation and anemia. Spirulina has various functions of lowering blood fat, lowering cholesterol, lowering high blood pressure, and promoting the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria.
Alfa Chemistry provides functional oligosaccharides and microalgae, both of which have "prebiotic" properties. They are raw materials that can be added to functional foods or used as dietary supplements. Besides, we also provide customized services according to customer needs. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or requirements.
Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
