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Prebiotics of Plant and Microbial Origin

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Direct-Fed Microbials and Prebiotics for Animals

Abstract

The food industry is constantly shifting focus based on what is most important to the consumer. Products are marketed currently that are believed to provide health benefits to the consumer such as beneficial effects on health or as disease preventatives. Much of the focus is on oligosaccharides as health-promoting substrates. Many oligosaccharides are resistant to digestion and absorption by mammalian enzymes and, therefore, reach the large bowel where they may be fermented by the resident bacteria. Beyond their potential as substrates for fermentation, oligosaccharides are popular food additives due in large part to their low caloric value and their ability to enhance mineral absorption. Health benefits include alleviation of constipation, reduced risk of infection and diarrhea, and improved immune response. Many oligosaccharides modulate microbiota of the large bowel by increasing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli populations and decreasing clostridia populations. This review will describe the manufacturing processes for select non-digestible oligosaccharides and other food ingredients currently classified as prebiotics and those with prebiotic potential.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 132 Animal Sciences Laboratory, Urbana, IL, USA

    Brittany M. Vester Boler & George C. Fahey Jr.

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  1. Brittany M. Vester Boler
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  2. George C. Fahey Jr.
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Correspondence to George C. Fahey Jr. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Southern Plains Agricultural, Research Center (SPARC), USDA - ARS, F & B Road 2881, College Station, 77845, Texas, USA

    Todd R. Callaway

  2. Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas, N. Young Ave. 2650, Fayetteville, 72704, Arkansas, USA

    Steven C. Ricke

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Boler, B.M.V., Fahey, G.C. (2012). Prebiotics of Plant and Microbial Origin. In: Callaway, T., Ricke, S. (eds) Direct-Fed Microbials and Prebiotics for Animals. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1311-0_2

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