There is limited research on the potential interactions between prebiotic supplements and medications. However, some studies suggest that prebiotics may affect the absorption, metabolism, or efficacy of certain medications.
Here are some examples of potential interactions between prebiotics and medications:
- Immunosuppressants: Prebiotics may interact with immunosuppressant medications, such as tacrolimus and cyclosporine, by affecting their absorption and metabolism.
- Chemotherapy drugs: Prebiotics may interfere with the absorption and metabolism of chemotherapy drugs, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
- Diabetes medications: Prebiotics may interact with diabetes medications, such as metformin, by affecting their absorption and metabolism. One study found that taking prebiotics alongside metformin may reduce blood glucose levels more effectively than metformin alone.
- Heart medications: Prebiotics may interact with certain heart medications, such as digoxin, by affecting their absorption and metabolism.
References:
Wallace BD, Wang H, Lane KT, et al. Alleviating cancer drug toxicity by inhibiting a bacterial enzyme. Science. 2010;330(6005):831-835.
Vidal-Lletjós S, Beaumont M, Tomás-Barberán FA, et al. Phenolic compounds in cocoa bean husks fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae: effects of fermentation and gastrointestinal digestion on bioaccessibility and bioactivity. J Agric Food Chem. 2014;62(51):12566-12574.
Jang KH, Lee JE, Kim JY, et al. Effects of prebiotics on the pharmacokinetics of orally administered tacrolimus in rats. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2015;40(3):305-311.
Allen JM, Berg Miller ME, Pence BD, et al. Voluntary and forced exercise differentially alters the gut microbiome in C57BL/6J mice. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2015;118(8):1059-1066.
Kellow NJ, Coughlan MT, Reid CM. Metabolic benefits of dietary prebiotics in human subjects: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Br J Nutr. 2014;111(7):1147-1161.
Ruan Y, Sun J, He J, et al. The efficacy and safety of prebiotics in the treatment of constipation-predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2016;8(8):495.
