Global framework for prebiotic classification

University of Reading researchers have played a key role in developing new international guidelines that will help classify substances that can improve human health through beneficial effects on gut bacteria.

Dr Anisha Wijeyesekera and Professor Glenn Gibson from Reading's Food and Nutritional Sciences department were part of an eight-member international expert panel that has published new recommendations for identifying and validating prebiotics - substances that can beneficially modify gut bacteria.

The framework, published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, provides much-needed clarity in the rapidly evolving field of prebiotics, which has seen growing interest from scientists, industry and consumers over the past 30 years.

Dr Wijeyesekera said: "These guidelines will help both researchers and industry better understand how to properly evaluate potential prebiotic substances. This is particularly important given the growing consumer interest in gut health and microbiome-targeted nutrition."

The expert panel outlined several essential criteria that substances must meet to be classified as prebiotics, including:

• Being well-characterized substances that provide measurable health benefits
• Showing selective effects on beneficial gut bacteria
• Demonstrating clear links between bacterial changes and health improvements
• Proving safety for intended use
• Demonstrating the above in feeding trials

The new recommendations emphasize that at least one study must show both beneficial changes to gut bacteria and improvements in health occurring together in the target host - whether human or animal.

Professor Gibson, who was part of the team that first introduced the prebiotic concept in 1995, added: "With the explosion of research into gut bacteria and health, it's become crucial to establish clear scientific criteria for what makes a true prebiotic. These new guidelines will help ensure that products claiming to be prebiotics actually deliver real health benefits through their effects on gut bacteria. This is especially relevant with highly talented researchers like Anisha bringing new skills and perspectives to the field"

The work was coordinated through the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) and involved collaboration between experts from institutions in the UK, USA, Ireland and other countries.

The researchers hope these new scientific criteria will help align regulatory and commercial approaches to prebiotics worldwide, ultimately benefiting both consumers and the advancement of prebiotic science.

IMAGE: Flickr user Alvin Trusty, licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.