May 12, 2023 4 min read
Prebiotic supplements and probiotics are two types of supplements commonly used to promote gut health. While prebiotics are non-digestible dietary fibers that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut, probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. While both supplements can be beneficial on their own, there is growing interest in the potential synergistic effects of combining them.
Here are 6 reasons why prebiotic supplements can be taken with probiotics:
Overall, prebiotic supplements can be safely taken with probiotics and may provide several potential health benefits. However, it is important to note that the effects of combining these supplements may vary depending on the specific strains and types of prebiotics and probiotics used. For example, HMO prebiotics are more selectively for Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, etc.
References:
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Kellow, N. J., & Coughlan, M. T. (2015). Reid's paradox revisited: new insights into bifidogenic effects of glycan-derived prebiotics. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, 26(1), 26391. doi: 10.3402/mehd.v26.26391
Gibson, G. R., Hutkins, R., Sanders, M. E., Prescott, S. L., Reimer, R. A., Salminen, S. J., ... & Scott, K. (2017). Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 14(8), 491-502. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2017.75
Singh, R. K., Chang, H. W., Yan, D., Lee, K. M., Ucmak, D., Wong, K., ... & Liao, W. (2017). Influence of diet on the gut microbiome and implications for human health. Journal of Translational Medicine, 15(1), 73. doi: 10.1186/s12967-017-1175-y
Plaza-Díaz, J., Ruiz-Ojeda, F. J., Vilchez-Padial, L. M., Gil, A., & Gómez-Llorente, C. (2019). Prebiotics and probiotics in maternal dietary intervention and its impact on pregnancy outcome and infant health: a review. Advances in Nutrition, 10(suppl_1), S37-S45. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmy080
Kleessen B, et al. Inulin and oligofructose modulate gut microbiota, lipid metabolism and mineral absorption in rats. J Nutr. 1997 Jul;127(7):1435-41. doi: 10.1093/jn/127.7.1435. PMID: 9202073.
Kim CH, et al. Modulation of microbiota by dietary fiber reduces colitis-associated colorectal cancer in mice. Gastroenterology. 2015 Feb;138(2):162-75.e1-3. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.09.067. Epub 2014 Oct 9. PMID: 25305523.
Bindels LB, et al. Resistant maltodextrin and fructooligosaccharides promote gut health and prevent microbiota dysbiosis in a rat model of antibiotic treatment. ISME J. 2015 Jul;9(7):1665-78. doi: 10.1038/ismej.2015.1. Epub 2015 Feb 3. PMID: 25646594.
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Iwabuchi N, et al. Effects of oral administration of Bifidobacterium breve on fecal lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids in low birth weight infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2007 May;44(5):252-7. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e3180319a5a. PMID: 17460500.
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Gibson GR, et al. Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: updating the concept of prebiotics. Nutr Res Rev. 2010 Jun;23(1):65-85. doi: 10.1017/S0954422410000077. PMID: 20565999.
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