Although there are now many published reports on the use of probiotics in humans, information on prebiotics is more limited. Consequently, many of the health claims made in relation to these substances are unsubstantiated. The ability to target specific organisms in the large intestine for defined, health promoting purposes will clearly be of great value and needs to be developed. JHC and GTM received European Union funding for a project on non-digestible oligosaccarides in which Orafti, Belgium, which manufactures prebiotics, was a partner. JHC is a temporary consultant to Lamberts Healthcare, which sells prebiotics and probiotics.
Information is provided for educational purposes only.
It is not intended as diagnosis or recommendation for treatment of disease. Please consult your physician for medical advice.