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You are here: Topics > Prebiotic oligosaccharides > Prebiotic oligosaccharides

Prebiotic oligosaccharides

The human gut is not sterile, but contains a huge number of micro-organisms (bacteria) that are first acquired at birth from the mother’s intestinal and vaginal flora. After this initial colonistion, the gut flora is affected by several factors, one of these is the infant’s diet.

Breastfed babies have a gut flora that is dominated by friendly bacteria (Bifidobacteria), while in bottlefed babies the gut flora is much more diverse.

Gut Flora of breast and bottlefed babies

Bifidobacteria
The friendly gut bacteria, Bifidobacteria, have a number of beneficial effects in the body:

  • Synthesis of vitamins
  • Activation of the immune system
  • Inhibition of harmful pathogens
  • Lowering pH in the colon (harmful to pathogens)
  • Synthesis of digestive enzymes
  • Support the gut barrier

These effects add up to support a baby’s natural immune system and healthy digestion.

Breastmilk
The dominance of Bifidobacteria in the gut flora of breastfed babies is due, at least in part, to non-digestible carbohydrates, called oligosaccharides, which are naturally found in breastmilk.
Breastmilk contains about 1g/100ml oligosaccharides (similar to the amount of protein), of many (>130) different types.

How prebiotic oligosaccharides (OS) work
Prebiotic OS act as food for the friendly gut bacteria (Bifidobacteria), stimulating their growth and activity.

Do not confuse prebiotic OS with probiotics.
  • Prebiotic OS are food for friendly bacteria. Breastmilk naturally contains prebiotic OS.
  • Probiotics are live friendly bacteria that are added to some food items (eg yoghurts).

How prebiotic OS work


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