Research Topic: prebiotics

Prebiotics and Probiotics Supplementation in Pigs as a Model for Human Gut Health and Disease

Pigs are excellent models for studying human digestive health because their gut anatomy and function closely resemble humans. This review shows that prebiotics (special food compounds) and probiotics (beneficial bacteria) can improve gut health and strengthen the intestinal barrier in both healthy pigs and those with infections. These findings suggest that similar treatments might help prevent and treat digestive diseases in humans.

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Bioactive Peptides from Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) as Modulators of the Gut Microbiome: A Scoping Review of Preclinical Evidence

This review examines how quinoa and its protein-derived peptides can improve gut health by changing the balance of bacteria in the digestive system. Research shows that quinoa helps boost beneficial bacteria, increases diversity of microbial communities, and promotes production of butyrate, a beneficial compound that supports intestinal health. Different disease conditions show specific improvements, such as reduced harmful bacteria in colitis and better metabolic balance in obesity, suggesting quinoa could be tailored for personalized health interventions.

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Sex-Specific Associations Between Prebiotic Supplement Intake and Sarcopenia Risk: Evidence From NHANES

This study examined whether taking prebiotic supplements helps prevent sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) differently in men versus women using health data from thousands of Americans. Researchers found that women who consumed prebiotics had significantly lower rates of sarcopenia, while this benefit was not observed in men. These findings suggest that prebiotic supplements may be particularly beneficial for women’s muscle health, though more research is needed to understand why this sex difference exists.

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Fungal β-Glucans Enhance Lactic Acid Bacteria Growth by Shortening Their Lag Phase and Increasing Growth Rate

Researchers tested whether extracts from common edible mushrooms like oyster and shiitake could help beneficial bacteria in the gut grow better. They found that these mushroom extracts, particularly their β-glucan components, helped probiotic bacteria start growing faster and grow more quickly. Importantly, the extracts did not help harmful bacteria grow, making them promising candidates for developing healthier food supplements that support gut health.

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Association of the use of nonfood prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics with total and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort study

This study of over 53,000 American adults found that people taking nonfood supplements containing prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics had significantly lower risks of dying from any cause, heart disease, cancer, or other causes compared to those who didn’t take these supplements. The benefits were particularly strong in women and people without high blood pressure. These findings suggest that these supplement types may play an important role in preventing early death.

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Nutraceutical supplement slim reshaped colon histomorphology and reduces Mucispirillum schaedleri in obese mice

Researchers tested a supplement called Slim containing natural compounds like berberine, coenzyme Q10, and beet pulp on obese mice. After 4 weeks, the supplement improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increased beneficial gut bacteria, and strengthened the intestinal barrier. The results suggest this combination of natural ingredients works together synergistically to improve gut health and metabolic function in obesity.

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A comprehensive overview of the effects of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on the gut-brain axis

This comprehensive review examines how probiotics (beneficial live bacteria), prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria), and synbiotics (combinations of both) can influence communication between the gut and brain. These interventions can produce beneficial compounds like GABA and serotonin, strengthen the gut barrier, and reduce inflammation, potentially helping with mood, anxiety, cognition, and various digestive disorders. However, effects vary greatly depending on the specific strain used, dosage, and individual differences in gut bacteria, and more large-scale studies are needed to confirm long-term clinical benefits.

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The Hidden Microbial World in the Gut of the Terrestrial Snail Cornu aspersum maxima and the Unexpected Negative Effects of Synbiotics

This study tested whether adding beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and dietary fibers (prebiotics) to snail farm feed could improve snail health and growth. While individual probiotic and prebiotic treatments helped reduce harmful bacteria in snails’ digestive systems, combining them together as a synbiotic surprisingly caused extremely high death rates in the snails. The results show that more research is needed before combining these supplements in snail farming.

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Nanoencapsulation of Biotics: Feasibility to Enhance Stability and Delivery for Improved Gut Health

This review explores how tiny nanoparticles can protect beneficial bacteria and dietary compounds as they travel through the digestive system. These nanotechnologies help probiotics survive stomach acid and reach the intestines where they provide health benefits. The research shows promising results for treating digestive diseases and improving overall gut health through better delivery of microbiota-modulating substances.

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