Review article: prebiotics in the gastrointestinal tract
Published Sep 1, 2006 · S. Macfarlane, G. Macfarlane, J. Cummings
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
620
Citations
26
Influential Citations
Abstract
Prebiotics are short‐chain carbohydrates that alter the composition, or metabolism, of the gut microbiota in a beneficial manner. It is therefore expected that prebiotics will improve health in a way similar to probiotics, whilst at the same time being cheaper, and carrying less risk and being easier to incorporate into the diet than probiotics.
Study Snapshot
Key takeawayPrebiotics are expected to improve gut health similarly to probiotics, but are cheaper, less risky, and easier to incorporate into the diet than probiotics.
PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)
Sample size24
MethodsObservational
OutcomesBody Mass Index projections
ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.