The concept of prebiotics, defined as substances that benefit host microorganisms in the gut, has gained attention in the scientific community. To address confusion about what qualifies as a prebiotic, a group of international scientists established criteria for determining prebiotic status. These criteria include measurable health benefits, selective utilization by host microorganisms, effects on microbiome composition, and safety. Key challenges addressed include validating selective utilization and linking microbiome changes to health benefits. The hope is that these criteria will lead to a unified approach to demonstrating prebiotic status, promoting clarity in the field and supporting informed decision-making around prebiotic products.
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New framework established for defining prebiotics
