Mechanisms of how prebiotics maintain health and treat disease

Prebiotics such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin provide multiple health benefits by acting through different mechanisms in the body. These mechanisms help improve gut health, strengthen the immune system, regulate metabolism, and promote overall well-being.

 

Mechanisms of how prebiotics maintain health and treat disease:

1. Promoting the Growth of Beneficial Bacteria (A)

Prebiotics selectively promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. These bacteria play an important role in maintaining the balance of intestinal microflora and inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms. By increasing the number of beneficial bacteria, prebiotics help reduce the risk of dysbiosis and improve the health of the digestive system. A healthy gut microflora is associated with improved nutrient absorption, maintenance of gut-barrier function and a strengthened immune system.

2. Balancing Intestinal Microflora (B)

Prebiotics help maintain the balance of the intestinal microflora, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppressing the development of pathogenic microorganisms. This is especially important to prevent dysbiosis, which can lead to various digestive problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, bloating and discomfort. A balanced intestinal microflora promotes gut-barrier integrity, which is essential to prevent pathogens and toxins from entering the bloodstream and thus reduce inflammatory responses.

3. Pathogen Inhibition (C)

Fermentation of prebiotics results in the formation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate, which lower the pH of the intestinal lumen. The acidic environment inhibits the growth and colonization of pathogenic microorganisms, thereby helping to maintain the balance of intestinal microflora. Inhibiting pathogens is important to prevent infections and maintain gut health. In addition, a lowered pH in the intestinal tract promotes the solubility and absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

4. Increasing Mineral Solubility and Absorption (D)

Fermentation products of prebiotics, such as EFAs, increase the solubility and absorption of minerals such as calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺). These metabolites improve mineral transport and absorption in intestinal epithelial cells, thereby promoting bone health and preventing mineral deficiency. Increased mineral absorption is especially important for growing children, postmenopausal women, and the elderly to maintain strong bones and a healthy metabolism【4†source】.

5. Energy Source for Intestinal Epithelial Cells (E)

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), formed as a result of fermentation of prebiotics, provide energy for intestinal epithelial cells. These cells use BCH, such as butyrate, as a major source of energy that helps maintain the integrity and functionality of the intestinal barrier. Providing energy to the intestinal cells is essential to promote the regeneration of the intestinal mucosa and reduce inflammatory processes that can lead to increased intestinal permeability and various digestive problems.

6. Regulation of Fat Metabolism (F)

Prebiotics affect metabolic pathways, including the regulation of fat metabolism, contributing to the maintenance of body weight and metabolic health. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as propionate, can reduce fat storage by promoting fat oxidation and energy expenditure. Prebiotics can also improve the lipid profile by reducing blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides, which help reduce the risk of obesity and its associated complications.

7. Cytokine Regulation (G)

Prebiotics promote the production of cytokines that regulate immune responses and inflammation. This mechanism is important for maintaining the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways, thereby ensuring an optimal immune response. For example, LCAs such as butyrate and propionate stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. It helps reduce inflammatory reactions in the body and improves the functioning of the immune system.

8. Anti-inflammatory Cytokine Stimulation (H)

Prebiotics stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (AIF-CYTK's), which maintain intestinal epithelial homeostasis and reduce inflammation. This is essential to prevent chronic inflammation and related diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders and autoimmune diseases. The production of anti-inflammatory cytokines helps to maintain a healthy immune system and prevent the development of excessive inflammatory reactions.

9. Induction of Mucin Production (I)

Prebiotics induce mucin production in enterocytes (intestinal epithelial cells), which protect the intestinal mucosa and support barrier function. Mucin is essential for the protection of the intestinal mucosa against mechanical damage and pathogen entry. Improved mucin production helps maintain gut health by reducing the risk of inflammation and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

References

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4. Weaver C.M. et al. (2011). "Galactooligosaccharides improve mineral absorption and bone properties in growing rats through gut fermentation." Journal of Nutrition.
5. Rastall R.A. and Gibson G.R. (2015). "Recent developments in prebiotics to selectively impact beneficial microbes and promote intestinal health." Current Opinion in Biotechnology.
6. Causey J.L. et al. (2016). "Effects of dietary inulin on serum lipids in men and women with hypercholesterolemia." Nutrition Research.
7. Ji et al. (2023). "Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in health and disease." MedComm.
8. Mitesh Kumar Dwivedi et al. (2023). "Probiotics in the Prevention and Management of Human Diseases." Academic Press.