What are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics and probiotics work hand-in-hand to promote optimal digestive health.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that help keep you healthy when consumed in appropriate amounts, while prebiotics are non-digestible fermentable fibers that feed the growth and activity of healthy bacteria.

One prebiotic type is called xylooligosaccharides – sometimes shortenend to XOS - and is particularly beneficial for two key reasons.

First, it helps restore healthy levels of Bifidobacteria.^1-3 These are beneficial bacteria associated with protection against allergies, high cholesterol levels, respiratory diseases, and more.⁴

Second, it works at small doses, minimizing unpleasant side effects often associated with other prebiotics.³

XOS prebiotics have been shown to safely reduce levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar.^5,6

A New and Improved Prebiotic

Prebiotics are foods that nourish and promote healthy gut flora.^7,8

For a food ingredient to be classified as a prebiotic, it must resist digestion, be fermented by intestinal microorganisms, and stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria.^8,9

Prebiotics are essential for a healthy gut by supporting and feeding the trillions of friendly bacteria residing in the digestive tract. These helpful bacteria support immunity, healthy metabolism, cardiovascular health, and even mood.^10-13

Many commercial prebiotics require large doses to provide optimal digestive health support. This can cause flatulence, bloating, and general digestive discomfort.¹⁴

Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are a unique prebiotic, made from corn cobs. Since only a small dose is required,^3,15 this may help avoid the unpleasant side effects of commercial prebiotics.³

XOS Works Fast, With Fewer Side Effects

Up to 60% of the gut microbiota of infants is composed of a group of bacteria known as Bifidobacteria.

By adulthood this level declines to 30%-40% of total gut microbes, to 10% in late middle age, and by old age it drops to less than 5% of original youthful levels. These beneficial bacteria are associated with protection against conditions including allergies, high cholesterol levels, and respiratory diseases.⁴

A variety of research models, from animal to clinical trials, have found that Bifidobacteria levels are reduced in some digestive disorders, infections, and in auto-immune arthritis.¹⁶

XOS significantly boosts levels of bifidobacteria.^3,17

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 32 healthy subjects were divided into three groups that took either:³

• A placebo,
• 1.4 grams of XOS, or
• 2.8 grams of XOS.

After eight weeks of daily supplementation, both treatment groups had increases in bifidobacteria, with no significant side effects. However, those taking 2.8 grams daily of XOS had significantly larger increases than the lower-dose group.

Even the larger XOS dose is less than what other prebiotics require to increase the beneficial bacteria.

For example, you'd have to take 10 grams to 20 grams of a common prebiotic called FOS (fructooligosaccharides) to achieve similar increases in Bifidobacteria. Doses this high can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

In addition to the smaller dose required, XOS produces results in a shorter amount of time.

A second study found that people taking 2.8 grams of XOS daily achieved significant increases in bifidobacteria in just 14 days.¹⁷

Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Improvements

Increasing levels of Bifidobacteria with the prebiotic XOS produces important metabolic and gastrointestinal improvements such as:¹⁷

• Decreased triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood and increased levels in feces.
• Decreased blood sugar, protecting against type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
• Increased fecal acidity, which inhibits less-desirable bacteria and promotes healthy bacteria.¹⁶

Summary

Higher levels of Bifidobacteria in the gastrointestinal tract are associated with resistance to a wide range of age-related diseases. Unfortunately, the levels decline with age.

Human studies show that a prebiotic called XOS (xylooligosaccharide) boosts bifidobacteria in as little as two weeks.

It also works at low doses, which helps avoid uncomfortable side effects often associated with other prebiotics.

XOS has also been shown to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar, which are risk factors for conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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2. Yang J, Summanen PH, Henning SM, et al. Xylooligosaccharide supplementation alters gut bacteria in both healthy and prediabetic adults: a pilot study. Front Physiol. 2015;6:216.
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