Clinical Definition

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients, typically carbohydrates, which benefit the host by stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or several select species of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Potentially, prebiotics can be used to favor the growth and activity probiotic bacteria.

In Our Own Words

Prebiotics promote good bacteria. Prebiotics are defined as natural food ingredients, typically carbohydrates, which remain undigested and are therefore available as food to good bacteria, stimulating their growth or activity in the gut. Many foods contain natural prebiotics, such as leeks, asparagus, garlic and banana.