by Annelies @ attune

In creating new products at attune foods, we are thoughtful about every ingredient that goes into our chocolate probiotic bars, münch probiotic granola and all of our cereals. We know sometimes our ingredient panel might have words you are unfamiliar with and we want you to feel confident about knowing what you’re eating and why it is in there. This particular article looks at the importance and inclusion of prebiotics in our chocolate probiotic bars and münch probiotic granola.
_________________________________________________________________________

Prebiotics are one vowel short of probiotics which can make what distinguishes them from each other a bit confusing.

Many people who are familiar with probiotics are unsure of the role prebiotics play and how they are different from probiotics. Prebiotics are defined as “non-digestible substances that when consumed provide a beneficial physiological effect on the host by selectively stimulating the favorable growth or activity of a limited number of indigenous bacteria.”[1]

When probiotics and prebiotics are combined, they work synergistically to support healthy digestive function and work in harmony. This combination is known as synbiotics. “Combinations of prebiotics with probiotics offer better opportunities for the probiotic bacteria to grow. They can then multiply faster in the gastrointestinal tract as prebiotics selectively feed probiotics.”[2]

Prebiotics come from a few food sources including chicory root, agave or the Jerusalem artichoke. They can also be found to naturally occur in leeks, asparagus, garlic and onions as well. The prebiotics found in Attune chocolate probiotic bars and münch probiotic granola are derived from chicory root. According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, “the most tested prebiotics are directed towards bifidobacteria and (to a lesser extent) lactobacilli.”[3] Two of the three strains of probiotics in Attune chocolate bars include Lactobacillus Acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium HN019.

You may have seen an ingredient, inulin, on our ingredient panel. This is the prebiotic featured in our bars. Inulin is an indigestible oligosaccharide and is a good source of insoluble fiber. There is a growing incidence of inulin which is used in products to replace fat and sugar. Inulin claims cite it can be good “for gut health benefits, the fiber can also boost bone strength, help control blood sugar levels and may even reduce cholesterol.”[4]

You might find that prebiotics are described as fiber which is a more familiar concept to consumers. What they share in common is that they both are typically fermented by the bacteria in the gut and are usually carbohydrates that are indigestible. “However, a prebiotic differs from fiber in that it needs to be selectively used in the gut- by only beneficial members of the gut microbial community. Historically, prebiotics are tied more closely to the probiotic concept than the fiber one.”[5]

So there you have it, in a nutshell prebiotics are the “lunchbox for probiotics” to flourish and thrive in your gut and that’s a partnership worth extolling.

---

[1] Gibson GR, Roberfroid MB. Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics. J Nutr. 1995 Jun;125(6):1401-12

[2] Dash, S.K. A Consumer’s Guide to Probiotics.

Freedom Press, 101. 2005.

[3]“Prebiotics: A Consumer Guide for Making Smart Choices.” ISAPP, March 10, 2009: http://www.isapp.net/docs/Consumer_Guidelines-prebiotic.pdf

[4] Patton, D. “Inulin gaining in health benefits.” NutraIngredients, December 2, 2005:

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Industry/Inulin-gaining-in-health-benefits.

[5] “Prebiotics: A Consumer Guide for Making Smart Choices.” ISAPP, March 10, 2009: http://www.isapp.net/docs/Consumer_Guidelines-prebiotic.pdf