Why we need prebiotics and probiotics
Prebiotics are the food source for the healthy bacteria in the digestive system, and numerous studies have been done on prebiotics, hence scientists are familiar with how they work as well as their benefits. Some examples of prebiotics include inulin and oligosaccharides such as galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS); these are also found in common foods like fortified dairy products3, as well as onions, garlic, wheat, oats, bananas4, and chicory root.
In the market, there are formulated milk products for children added with prebiotics to help maintain a healthy digestive environment.5
For example, a recently-published study conducted across five countries across Europe and Asia – the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Thailand and Malaysia – showed a reduced risk of infections in young children who consumed formulated milk powder for children containing a specific blend of the prebiotics GOS and lcFOS with polyunsaturated fatty acids.6
Probiotics refer to good bacteria found in our digestive systems and other parts of our bodies; the ones most commonly known are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. They are commercially available in products like yoghurt and other forms of dairy products. Research indicates that probiotics may be helpful in reducing symptoms of certain inflammatory conditions.7
In summary, many studies have explored the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics, which work hand-in-hand as prebiotics are important in supporting the growth of probiotics. Together, they help to maintain a healthy digestive environment which is better able to withstand a variety of conditions, from acute diarrhoea to atopic dermatitis, and relieve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.8
