Prebiotics! You’ve probably come across this term more times than you can remember but simply didn’t have the time to look up what it means.
But fret not! This article looks into what a prebiotic supplement is and tackles many other facts regarding its use, sources, and the prebiotic industry in general.
What Is a Prebiotic Supplement?
A prebiotic supplement is a fiber product made with substances that act as food for the good bacteria in the human body. It’s intended to improve or maintain the level of probiotic microorganisms in the body.
Exciting Facts and Stats on Prebiotic Supplements
Now let’s dive into more compelling stats and facts regarding prebiotics and find out about the most popular prebiotics, most commonly used prebiotic sources, current prebiotic market size, etc.
Inulin is one of the most popular prebiotic fiber sources.
(HeraldNet) (WebMD)
Inulin is easily sourced from a variety of plant sources, including chicory root and various fruit and vegetables.
Chicory root is the primary source of inulin for inulin prebiotic supplements.
(WebMD)
Inulin is extracted from the roots of chicory to make prebiotic supplements. Other great food sources of inulin prebiotics include asparagus, bananas, burdock, dandelion root, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, leeks, and onions.
Research indicates that 20–40 g of inulin can help manage constipation.
(WebMD)
Inulin can increase the number of stools by up to one on a weekly basis and can be used by adults and children alike.
Inulin may be beneficial for diabetes patients.
(NCBI) (WebMD)
Research shows that inulin may help maintain glycemic and lipid parameters and thereby help manage diabetes symptoms. Therefore, it’s thought that combining inulin with particular anti-diabetes medications can help maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
Obese people may benefit from inulin supplements.
(ScienceDirect) (WebMD)
Increased inulin intake may promote short-term weight loss in obese individuals. More scientific evidence is necessary to confirm any long-term effects of inulin on weight loss.
There are many signs of prebiotic deficiency.
(ActivatedYou) (Piedmont)
Good bacteria need food (prebiotics) to thrive. Without enough good bacteria to protect us, bad bacteria prevail and harm us.
Here are some signs of gut bacteria imbalance:
- Digestive issues (bloating, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, etc.)
- Sugar cravings
- Inexplicable weight gain
- Brain fog
- Depression and anxiety
- Poor sleep
- Fatigue
- Poor skin health (acne, eczema, hives, psoriasis, etc.)
- Frequent colds and flu
- Allergies
- Autoimmune issues (type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid issues, etc.)
The global prebiotics market size could hit $8 billion by 2026.
(PR Newswire)
This market was estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.9% between 2020 and 2026. The inulin market is expected to account for a significant chunk of the global prebiotics market, as it’s expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9%, hitting $3.3 billion at the end of 2026.
Plenty of factors drive global demand for prebiotics.
(PR Newswire)
They include the following:
- Increased awareness of prebiotics’ health benefits
- Increased wish to lead a healthy and active lifestyle
- Aging population
- Consumers’ high spending power
- Focus on preventive steps in terms of healthcare
- Prebiotics’ presence in snack and meat products, etc.
Major prebiotic ingredients (e.g., fructooligosaccharides (FOG) and inulin) are excellent sugar alternatives.
(Medical News Today)
Due to the fact that they don’t cause a blood sugar spike the way other sweeteners do and have fewer calories, they’re excellent for those looking for a healthier sugar replacement.
Conclusion
Prebiotics, especially inulin and FOS, have found extensive use in maintaining healthy gut flora, as well as in the sweetener industry — and for a reason!
They provide various health benefits, and according to the most recent statistics, this is exactly what will drive the market in the future.
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