What are Prebiotics? – Ask a Doctor – May 2018

Learn More

What are Prebiotics? – Ask a Doctor – May 2018

Though their positive effects have been researched by scientists for many years, the power of prebiotics has been widely misunderstood throughout the world by both health practitioners and supplement fans. This month we sat down with founder, CEO, and medical director of the Center for Natural Medicine, Inc, Martin Milner, M.A., N.D. to discuss prebiotics and when to consider adding them to your supplement routine. 

Q: What are prebiotics? How do prebiotics work with probiotics?

A: In the simplest terms, prebiotics are carbohydrates that fertilize your intestinal lining to prepare the environment for growing friendly bacteria. Like fertilizer in a garden, they nourish your intestinal lining to encourage the growth of good bacteria, called probiotics. The prebiotic environment is the food that the probiotics use as a setting to grow and flourish. Adding a prebiotic to your supplement routine optimizes that underground environment so the friendliest bacteria can proliferate.

Prebiotics occur naturally in food. The most well-known prebiotics are oligosaccharides, which are carbohydrates that are found in small amounts in onions, legumes, wheat, and asparagus. Prebiotics aren’t grown in the body. When you consume them in foods or in a supplement, you’re adding prebiotics to your body as part of the food supply to encourage the growth of probiotics.

Q: When should I take a prebiotic?

A: If you’ve struggled with taking high-quality probiotics and found that they haven't worked, or you have a specific concern about your digestive health, prebiotics may be a helpful addition to your supplement regimen. 

For example, some people experience gas, bloating, indigestion, or gastrointestinal discomfort due to diet, lifestyle and other causes. This digestive upset may be associated with an intestinal microflora that is out of balance. Even though they take probiotic supplements to help balance their gut microflora, their discomfort may linger. One option is to add a prebiotic.

Others may choose to get their probiotics from regularly consuming yogurt and other fermented foods rather than take a probiotic supplement. For these people, a prebiotic supplement is especially beneficial to help stimulate the growth and activity of probiotics in the intestine. 

Do you have a question you would like answered by one of our doctors? Submit your question here.

About Endurance Products Company

Endurance Products Company has been a trusted source of quality dietary supplements since 1978. Our sustained-release and extended-release tablets feature a unique vegetable wax matrix that releases nutrients in a slow, steady manner over a period of hours for optimal nutrient absorption and retention.

You May Also Like...

View all products

Prebiotic Plus Chewable (60 tablets)

Prebiotic Plus promotes intestinal regularity and overall digestive health, helps balance your gut microflora, and is well-tolerated, stomach-friendly. This unique formula provides clinically effective amounts of prebiotic xylooligosaccharides (XOS) shown to promote colon health and kiwifruit powder to help relieve occasional constipation.

Chewable

On Sale $16.99 Regular price $19.99

With Actazin™ kiwi fruit powder and xylooligosaccharides from PreticX™ Prebiotic Complex, it promotes a healthy gut microflora, digestive health, and relief from occasional constipation. 

At-a-Glance

  • Promotes intestinal regularity & overall digestive health*
  • Supports gut health by selectively increasing beneficial bacteria*
  • Nourishes your body’s ability to maintain healthy gut microflora*
  • Formulated for effective, yet gentle, daily use*

Product Description

Prebiotic Plus is a well-tolerated, stomach-friendly dietary supplement that helps relieve occasional constipation and promote intestinal regularity in adults.*

Using clinically tested ingredients, Prebiotic Plus helps your body balance gut bacteria for a microflora that is associated with healthy intestines.* Each chewable tablet provides:

  • PreticX™ Prebiotic Complex with 1000 mg xylooligosaccharides (XOS), derived from non-GMO corn, helps stimulate the production and activity of beneficial microflora associated with health and wellness.*
  • Actazin™ 300mg made from non-GMO kiwifruit supports intestinal regularity and relief of occasional constipation. Using a unique process, New Zealand green kiwifruit flesh is cold-processed to retain maximum nutrient content.*

Taken regularly, Prebiotic Plus promotes intestinal regularity, stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the intestines, and nourishes your body’s ability to maintain a healthy gut microflora.*

Features

  • Chewable tablets for use with or without food
  • Well-tolerated and stomach-friendly
  • Vegan/ Vegetarian
  • Non-GMO and gluten-free
  • No salt, preservatives, artificial color or flavorings
  • Free of common allergens (milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy)

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you expect?

Prebiotic Plus promotes intestinal regularity by selectively nourishing beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Formulated for effective, yet gentle, daily use. Prebiotic Plus helps to balance gut microflora and relieve occasional constipation.*

How does it work?

A prebiotic is a non-digestible ingredient that persists into the colon where it feeds beneficial bacteria. Prebiotic Plus provides a clinically researched amount of prebiotic XOS shown to help increase the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in the colon. Actazin™ kiwifruit powder works to help maintain bowel regularity.*

How do you take it?

As a dietary supplement, chew one (1) tablet, twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. May be taken with or without food. Take with a full glass of water.

Are there any precautions?

Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if you have or suspect a medical condition, are taking any medications, or are pregnant or nursing. As with all dietary supplements, keep out of reach of children.

What product quality control tests are performed?

Prebiotic Plus is manufactured in the United States (Oregon) in a state-of-the-art, FDA-registered facility that meets or exceeds current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Quality control tests are performed at every stage of the manufacturing process from rigorous raw material testing to finished product testing.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Shop Now