Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Prebiotics are non-digestible food components, typically fibers such as inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), or galactooligosaccharides (GOS), that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial gut bacteria. Their use in supporting or treating infections centers on their ability to enhance the growth of commensal organisms, particularly Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, which can competitively inhibit pathogens, enhance mucosal barrier function, and modulate immune responses. Several clinical studies and systematic reviews suggest that prebiotics may help reduce the risk or severity of some infections, especially gastrointestinal infections (such as Clostridioides difficile or Salmonella), and may shorten the duration of infectious diarrhea in children. The evidence in adults is less consistent but suggests potential benefits in preventing some respiratory tract infections and reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, the degree of benefit and the populations in which these effects are most pronounced remain under study, and the strength of evidence varies by prebiotic type, infection type, and patient population. Overall, current research supports a moderate (but not definitive) role for prebiotics in infection prevention or mitigation, primarily through indirect effects on gut microbiota and immune modulation.

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