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Prebiotics: why definitions matter.
Robert W Hutkins1, Janina A Krumbeck2, Laure B Bindels3
1Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0919, USA.
Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|October 4, 2015
Summary
Defining prebiotics remains debated despite revisions. A clear scientific consensus on prebiotics is crucial for industry, consumers, and healthcare, especially with new gut microbiota insights.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nutrition Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The concept of prebiotics was introduced 20 years ago.
- Despite revisions, a universally accepted definition of prebiotics is still debated within the scientific community.
- The definition of prebiotics impacts regulatory bodies, the food industry, consumers, and healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the definition of prebiotics.
- To emphasize the importance of a clear prebiotic definition for various stakeholders.
- To underscore the need for consensus in the scientific community regarding prebiotics.
Main Methods:
- Review of the historical development of the prebiotic concept.
- Analysis of recent advancements in gut microbiota research, including community-wide sequencing and glycomics.
- Discussion of the implications of varying prebiotic definitions.
Main Results:
- Complex interactions between potential prebiotic substrates and the gut microbiota have been uncovered through recent research.
- The lack of a consensus definition hinders consistent application and understanding of prebiotics.
Conclusions:
- A consensus on the definition of prebiotics is necessary for the continued advancement and appropriate use of the term.
- Updated definitions should incorporate recent findings on host-microbiota interactions.
- Standardized definitions will facilitate research, regulation, and consumer understanding of prebiotics.
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