Non-digestible food ingredients, typically specific types of dietary fiber, that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria residing within the colon. They serve as crucial fuel for the gut microbiome.
Origin
The term was coined to differentiate these compounds from probiotics (live bacteria), emphasizing their role as selective substrates that feed the existing beneficial flora.
Mechanism
By promoting the growth of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producing bacteria, prebiotics indirectly influence systemic health, including gut barrier integrity and immune modulation. SCFAs, such as butyrate, can impact peripheral insulin sensitivity and modulate inflammatory signaling relevant to endocrine function.
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