Can prebiotic supplements be taken long-term?

Yes,  prebiotic supplements can be taken long-term.

• Safety: Prebiotic supplements are generally considered safe to take long-term, as they are derived from natural sources and do not contain live microorganisms. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.
• Tolerance: Prebiotic supplements may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. If you experience any adverse effects, it is recommended to stop taking the supplement or reduce the dosage. HMO prebiotics have been shown to be well-tolerated in infants and adults, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials.
• Benefits: The benefits of prebiotic supplements, including HMO prebiotics, may be more pronounced with long-term use. Regular intake of prebiotics can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improve gut health, and support immune function. However, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of prebiotic supplementation on overall health.

Overall, prebiotic supplements, including HMO prebiotics, can be taken long-term if deemed safe and well-tolerated by the individual.  

References:

Bindels, L. B., Segura Munoz, R. R., Gomes-Neto, J. C., Mutemberezi, V., Martinez, I., Salazar, N., ... & Walter, J. (2021). Resistant starch can improve insulin sensitivity independently of the gut microbiota. Microbiome, 9(1), 1-16.

Holscher, H. D. (2017). Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota. Gut microbes, 8(2), 172-184.

Holscher, H. D. (2020). Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota. In Bioactive Components of Human Milk (pp. 455-473). Academic Press.

Hutkins, R. W., Krumbeck, J. A., Bindels, L. B., Cani, P. D., Fahey Jr, G., Goh, Y. J., ... & Versalovic, J. (2016). Prebiotics: why definitions matter. Current opinion in biotechnology, 37, 1-7.

Kellow, N. J., & Coughlan, M. T. (2015). Effect of diet-derived non-digestible carbohydrates on the host immune system. Nutrients, 7(10), 7999-8019.

Kumar, M., Nagpal, R., Kumar, R., Hemalatha, R., Verma, V., Kumar, A., ... & Singh, B. (2012). Cholesterol-lowering probiotics as potential biotherapeutics for metabolic diseases. Experimental diabetes research, 2012.