hawrelak - prebiotics chapter
Chapter 115 (author: Jason A. Hawrelak) reviews prebiotics, synbiotics, and colonic foods. It defines prebiotics and the four criteria for classification, lists potential prebiotic compounds (Table 115-1), and focuses on the best-researched agents: fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and lactulose — covering sources, commercial forms, mechanisms, clinical applications (immune effects, bifidogenic effects, constipation, atopy prevention, mineral absorption, satiety), dosing ranges, toxicity/adverse effects, synbiotic considerations, and non-specific 'colonic foods'.
Questions this document answers
Jason A. Hawrelak; "Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Colonic Foods" (Chapter 115).
Textbook of Natural Medicine, 4th ed., 2013; ISBN 9781437723335; Chapter pages 966–978.
"A nondigestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon."
2.5 to 20 g/day (studies noted effects at ≥5 g/day; 10 g/day considered well-tolerated).
Alterations seen at doses as low as 3 g/day; laxative dosing recommended 15–40 g/day (higher doses ~35 g/day used for liver disease).