This document discusses prebiotics and their health benefits. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. Sources of prebiotics include beans, fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables. Prebiotics like FOS, GOS and inulin feed beneficial bacteria, increase their numbers, and decrease harmful bacteria. They also help absorb minerals and eliminate toxins. Prebiotics may reduce risk of diseases like cancer, lower cholesterol, and prevent allergies. Resistant starch is another prebiotic that escapes digestion and is fermented in the colon, providing similar health benefits.

1. PREBIOTICS (NON – DIGESTABLE
CARBOHYDRATE & RESISTANT
STARCH)
PRESENTED BY
Sowmiya Gunasekaran

2. PREBIOTICS
Prebiotics are
substance that
induce the growth
of microorganisms
that contribute to
the well-being of
their host.

3. NON – Digestible Carbohydrate
Non – digestible
carbohydrate can be
defined as those which are
not digested in the
stomach or small intestine
and are carried on into the
large intestine where they
might be utilized by gut
micro biota as substrates
resulting in a number of
metabolites.

4. SOURCES
• Beans
• Fruits like apple
• Oat bran, Barley
• Whole wheat flour
• Nuts
• Garlic
• Onion

5. Physiological effects of Non -
Digestible Carbohydrate
• They are considered as the dietary fiber
because they performed many physiological
functions.
1) FOS and GOS
when consumed
Food for beneficial bacteria like
Bifidobacteria & Lactobacillus

6. 2) FOS, GOS and Inulin
Increase the number of beneficial bacteria &
Decrease the number of harmful bacteria.

7. 3) FOS, GOS or Inulin Supplementation
Increase the absorption of calcium &
magnesium

8. 4) FOS, GOS or Inulin Supplementation
Increase the elimination of
toxic substances.

9. Effects on human health and potential
applications
1)Reduction in blood cholesterol level:
Lowers the serum triacyl glycerol &
phospholipids level.
2)Reduce Risk of Colorectal Cancer:
Non – digestible fermentation may reduce the
risk of colorectal cancer.
3)Cancer Prevention:
Bifidobacteria digest inulin in the gut flora and
produce short chain fatty acids, namely

10. Acetic acid
Propionic acid
Butyric acid
It is believed that these acids can help to
prevent certain forms of cancer.
4) Prevent Allergy:
The bacterial intestinal colonization is possibly
important for the development of the immune
system response of neonates and young infants.

11. EFFECTIVE DOSE
A Normal diet provides 5 and 10 grams of
non-digestible carbohydrate / day.

12. RESISTANT STARCH
Resistant starch (RS) is starch , including its
degradation products, that escapes
from digestion in the small intestine of healthy
individuals. Some types of resistant starch (RS1,
RS2 and RS3) are fermented by the large
intestinal microbiota, conferring benefits to
human health through the production of short-
chain fatty acids, increased bacterial mass, and
promotion of butyrate-producing bacteria.

13. SOURCES
Oats
Whole wheat flour
Green banana
Cooked rice
Raw potato starch
Maize flour

14. Physiological effects of Resistant starch
• It is a most abundant dietary source of non-
digestible carbohydrate & smaller impact on
lipid and glucose metabolism.
• The physiological properties of RS can vary
depending on the source, type and dose of
resistant starch consumed.
• RS lowers the energy value of the food.

15. • RS can also be used to enhance the fibre
content of the foods.
• The potential RS to enhance the sound health
of the individual.

16. Effects on human health and potential
applications
1) PREVENT DIARRHOEA
Resistant starch
Stimulate the growth of the beneficial bacteria
Inhibit the pathogenic bacteria
Prevent Diarrhea

17. 2) PROTECT AGAINST CARCINOGENESIS
Increased the intake of RS
Colorectal adenocarcinomas are
reduced

18. • Protect against pathogens
• Boost immune system
• Enhance Apoptosis
• Provide satiety.