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Gut Health Foundation

The Complete Prebiotics Guide

Discover the specialized plant compounds that selectively nourish your beneficial gut bacteria. Learn which prebiotics support specific health goals and how to incorporate them into your diet.

3-8g
Daily recommended intake
100+
Bacterial species supported
2-4 weeks
To see microbiome changes
SCFAs
Key metabolites produced

What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are specialized plant fibers and compounds that your body can't digest, but your beneficial gut bacteria can. When these bacteria ferment prebiotics, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, propionate, and acetate—compounds that support gut health, reduce inflammation, and even influence brain function.

Unlike probiotics (which are live bacteria), prebiotics are the food that helps your existing beneficial bacteria thrive and multiply. Different prebiotics feed different bacterial species, making variety important for a diverse microbiome.

Key Prebiotic Benefits

  • Increase beneficial bacteria populations
  • Boost production of beneficial SCFAs
  • Support immune function and reduce inflammation
  • Enhance mineral absorption (calcium, magnesium)
  • Support gut-brain axis communication

Browse by Type

All Prebiotics (12)

Acacia Fiber (Gum Arabic)

Fiber

A well-tolerated, slowly fermenting prebiotic fiber from the acacia tree that supports diverse gut bacteria without causing digestive discomfort.

Found in:
Acacia senegal tree sapAcacia seyal tree sap
Highly tolerable prebiotic
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Arabinoxylan

Fiber

A hemicellulose fiber from whole grains that promotes diverse gut bacteria growth and supports metabolic health through sustained fermentation.

Found in:
Wheat branRyeBarley +3 more
Promotes diverse bacteria growth
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Beta-Glucan

Polysaccharides

A versatile prebiotic fiber found in oats and mushrooms that supports immune function and heart health while nourishing beneficial gut bacteria.

Found in:
OatsBarleyMushrooms (shiitake, reishi, maitake) +2 more
Supports immune function
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Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

Oligosaccharides

Short-chain prebiotics that selectively feed beneficial Bifidobacterium species and support digestive health.

Found in:
Chicory rootOnionsGarlic +4 more
Promotes Bifidobacterium growth
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Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)

Oligosaccharides

Prebiotic oligosaccharides structurally similar to human milk sugars that strongly promote Bifidobacterium growth, especially beneficial for infants and adults alike.

Found in:
Human breast milk (naturally)Commercial synthesis from lactoseLegumes +1 more
Strong bifidogenic effect
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Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)

Oligosaccharides

Complex sugars naturally found in breast milk that shape the infant gut microbiome and are now available as supplements for gut and immune health.

Found in:
Human breast milkCommercial biosynthesis (2'-FL, LNnT)Some infant formulas
Establishes healthy infant microbiome
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Inulin

Oligosaccharides

A versatile prebiotic fiber from chicory root that promotes beneficial gut bacteria growth and supports digestive health.

Found in:
Chicory rootJerusalem artichokeOnions +4 more
Increases Bifidobacteria populations
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Lactulose

Other

A synthetic disaccharide with dual roles as a pharmaceutical laxative and prebiotic, promoting Bifidobacterium growth and beneficial fermentation.

Found in:
Synthetic (derived from lactose)Heat-treated milk products (trace amounts)
Promotes Bifidobacterium growth
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Pectin

Fiber

A gel-forming soluble fiber from fruits that supports diverse gut bacteria, promotes SCFA production, and aids digestive health.

Found in:
Citrus peels (highest concentration)ApplesApricots +3 more
Promotes diverse gut bacteria
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Psyllium Husk

Fiber

A highly viscous gel-forming fiber from Plantago ovata seeds with proven benefits for bowel regularity, cholesterol, and blood glucose management.

Found in:
Plantago ovata seeds (Ispaghula)Commercial fiber supplements
Regulates bowel movements
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Resistant Starch

Resistant Starch

A unique type of starch that resists digestion, reaching the colon to feed beneficial bacteria and produce health-promoting short-chain fatty acids.

Found in:
Green bananasCooked and cooled potatoesCooked and cooled rice +3 more
Increases butyrate production
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Xylooligosaccharides (XOS)

Oligosaccharides

Emerging prebiotics derived from plant xylan that selectively promote Bifidobacterium growth at low doses with excellent tolerability.

Found in:
Corn cobsBamboo shootsSugar cane bagasse +2 more
Strong bifidogenic effect at low doses
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Personalized Approach

Discover Your Prebiotic Needs

Get personalized prebiotic recommendations based on your unique microbiome composition. Advanced testing reveals which beneficial bacteria you have and which prebiotics can help them thrive.

Common Questions About Prebiotics

What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are specialized plant fibers that feed and support the growth of these beneficial bacteria. Think of prebiotics as "food" for your good gut bacteria.

How much prebiotic fiber should I consume daily?

Most experts recommend 3-8 grams of prebiotic fiber daily. However, it's best to start slowly (around 2-3 grams) and gradually increase to avoid digestive discomfort like bloating or gas.

Can I get enough prebiotics from food alone?

Yes! Many common foods contain prebiotics, including garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats, and apples. A varied diet rich in plant foods typically provides adequate prebiotic intake.

Are there any side effects from prebiotics?

Some people may experience temporary bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort when first increasing prebiotic intake. Starting with small amounts and gradually increasing helps minimize these effects.