Prebiotics are nondigestible dietary fibers that promote the growth and activity of probiotics. That much we do know. But dieticians, processors and consumers have so much more to learn.
According to the article “Prebiotics and the Health Benefits of Fiber: Current Regulatory Status, Future Research, and Goals” published in The Journal of Nutrition in 2012, evidence supports prebiotics’ ability to reduce gastrointestinal infection and inflammation and increase the bioavailability and uptake of calcium. Data suggest that prebiotics may potentially decrease risk of cardiovascular disease, increase satiety, decrease risk of weight gain and reduce obesity. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved health claims for prebiotics.
There isn’t enough evidence in order to develop dietary recommendations for prebiotics, according to The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 Committee. Since a daily value has not been established for prebiotics, nutrient content claims cannot be made. However, because all prebiotics are dietary fibers, researchers have suggested that a nutrient content claim for prebiotics could be argued based on dietary fiber daily values.