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Unveiling the Health Benefits of Prebiotics: A Comprehensive Review

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Abstract

Prebiotics play a pivotal role in fostering probiotics, essential contributors to the creation and maintenance of a conducive environment for beneficial microbiota within the human gut. To qualify as a prebiotic, a substance must demonstrate resilience to stomach enzymes, acidic pH levels, and intestinal bacteria, remaining unabsorbed in the digestive system while remaining accessible to gut microflora. The integration of prebiotics and probiotics into our daily diet establishes a cornerstone for optimal health, a priority for health-conscious consumers emphasizing nutrition that supports a balanced gut flora. Prebiotics offer diverse biological functions in humans, exhibiting antiobesity, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cholesterol-lowering properties, along with preventing digestive disorders. Numerous dietary fibers possessing prebiotic attributes are inadvertently present in our diets, emphasizing the broader significance of prebiotics. It is crucial to recognize that, while all dietary fibers are prebiotics, not all prebiotics fall under the category of dietary fibers. The versatile applications of prebiotics extend across various industries, such as dairy, bakery, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other food products. This comprehensive review provides insights into different prebiotics, encompassing their sources, chemical compositions, and applications within the food industry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dairy Chemistry, Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy Technology, Bihar Animal Sciences University, Patna, Bihar, India

    Anuradha Kumari

  2. Department of Dairy Technology, Verghese Kurien Institute of Dairy and Food Technology, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Thrissur, Kerala, India

    Rashmi K. G.

  3. Department of Dairy Microbiology, Verghese Kurien Institute of Dairy and Food Technology, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Thrissur, Kerala, India

    Aparna Sudhakaran. V.

  4. Department of Dairy Engineering, Verghese Kurien Institute of Dairy and Food Technology, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Thrissur, Kerala, India

    Aswin S. Warrier

  5. Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bihar Animal Sciences University, Patna, Bihar, India

    Niraj K. Singh

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Kumari, A., K. G., R., Sudhakaran. V., A. et al. Unveiling the Health Benefits of Prebiotics: A Comprehensive Review. Indian J Microbiol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12088-024-01235-4

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