Can prebiotic supplements improve immune function?

July 27, 2023 3 min read

Can prebiotic supplements improve immune function?

Prebiotic supplements have been shown to improve immune function in several ways. Here are eight key ways in which they can do so:

  1. Increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. When these bacteria ferment prebiotics, they produce SCFAs, which have been shown to modulate immune function and reduce inflammation. SCFAs can also promote the development of regulatory T cells, which help to prevent autoimmune diseases.
  2. Enhanced production of mucin: Prebiotics have also been shown to increase the production of mucin, which is a protein that lines the gut and helps to protect against pathogens. This can help to reduce the risk of infections and improve overall immune function.
  3. Increased production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs): Prebiotics can stimulate the production of AMPs, which are molecules that help to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. AMPs can also modulate immune function and reduce inflammation.
  4. Improved gut barrier function: Prebiotics can help to strengthen the gut barrier, which helps to prevent the entry of harmful substances into the body. This can help to reduce the risk of infections and improve overall immune function.
  5. Increased production of immunoglobulin A (IgA): Prebiotics have been shown to increase the production of IgA, which is an antibody that helps to protect against pathogens. IgA can also modulate immune function and reduce inflammation.
  6. Modulation of dendritic cell function: Prebiotics can modulate the function of dendritic cells, which are immune cells that help to initiate immune responses. This can help to improve immune function and reduce the risk of infections.
  7. Modulation of natural killer cell function: Prebiotics can also modulate the function of natural killer cells, which are immune cells that help to kill infected and cancerous cells. This can help to improve immune function and reduce the risk of infections and cancer.
  8. Reduction of oxidative stress: Prebiotics have been shown to reduce oxidative stress, which is a key factor in many chronic diseases. This can help to improve overall immune function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Questions: contact us at support@layerorigin.com

About Layer Origin: At Layer Origin, we are dedicated to unlocking the potential of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs). We believe that only God's gift could be so perfectly designed to support our gut health. Our goal is to make this super prebiotic available for both children and adults. Check out PureHMO and SuperHMO Prebiotics

References:

  1. Vulevic J, Juric A, Tzortzis G, et al. A mixture of trans-galactooligosaccharides reduces markers of metabolic syndrome and modulates the fecal microbiota and immune function of overweight adults. J Nutr. 2013;143(3):324-31.
  2. Mohd Shaufi MA, Sieo CC, Chong CW, et al. Prebiotic fructooligosaccharide supplementation modulates
  3. Chambers ES, Viardot A, Psichas A, et al. Effects of targeted delivery of propionate to the human colon on appetite regulation, body weight maintenance and adiposity in overweight adults. Gut. 2015;64(11):1744-54.
  4. Rodes L, Khan A, Paul A, et al. Effect of probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on gut-derived lipopolysaccharides and inflammatory cytokines: an in vitro study using a human colonic microbiota model. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2013;23(4):518-26.
  5. de Kivit S, Tobin MC, Forsyth CB, et al. Prebiotics modulate immune responses in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue of chickens. J Nutr. 2013;143(8):1131-9.
  6. Macfarlane S, Bahrami B, Macfarlane GT. Induction of cytokine release by human intestinal bacteria in gut epithelial monolayers: implications for ulcerative colitis. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2011;17(3):518-24.
  7. Huang Y, Li Y, Lv N, et al. Prebiotic intervention improves the effects of iron supplementation on the gut microbiome and body weight of mice. J Nutr Biochem. 2020;83:108426.
  8. Ghosh TS, Rampelli S, Jeffery IB, et al. Mediterranean diet intervention alters the gut microbiome in older people reducing frailty and improving health status: the NU-AGE 1-year dietary intervention across five European countries. Gut. 2020;69(7):1218-28.
  9. Holscher HD. Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota. Gut Microbes. 2017;8(2):172-84.
  10. Gao X, Zhang M, Xue J, et al. The effects of probiotics supplementation on metabolic health in pregnant women: An evidence based meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2021;16(4):e0250194.


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