Prebiotics and Immune Function

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Guamer F; Nutr Hosp. 2007; 22 Suppl 2: P-14

The terms intestinal “microflora” or “microbiota refer to the microbial ecosystem colonizing the gastrointestinal tract.
The main functions of intestinal microflora include (1) metabolic activities translating into energy and nutrients uptake, and (2) host protection against invasion by foreign microorganisms.
Intestinal bacteria play an essential role in the development and homeostasis of the immune system.
Lymphoid follicles within the intestinal mucosa are the main areas for immune system induction and regulation.

Seifert S, Watzl B. Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Federal Research Centre for Nutrition and Food, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.

First results from human intervention studies suggest that the intake of inulin (IN) and oligofructose (OF) has beneficial effects on the gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
Data from studies with infants suggest that supplementation with a prebiotic mixture positively affects postnatal immune development and increases fecal secretory IgA.
The intestinal immune system and especially the immune cells associated with the Peyer’s patches are responsive to a dietary supplement of IN/OF and/or their metabolites.
The mechanisms of IN/OF include indirect effects such as a shift in the composition of the intestinal flora and the enhanced production of immunoregulatory SCFA and perhaps other bacterial metabolites.
In conclusion, prebiotic IN/OF clearly modulate immunological processes.

Bodera P. Natur Produkt Zdrovit Ltd., Warszawa, Poland.

The knowledge about the influence of prebiotics on the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) for the improvement of human health is still growing.
This paper reviews the latest evidence for the immunity-enhancing effects of prebiotics.
There is convincing preliminary data to suggest that the consumption of prebiotics can modulate immune parameters in GALT, secondary lymphoid tissues and peripheral circulation.
There is increasing evidence that the newly described prebiotics and innovative means of administration can modulate various properties of the immune system, including those of the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT).

Stephanie Seifert and Bernhard Watzl; J Nutr. 2007; 137: 2563S

First results from human intervention studies suggest that the intake of inulin (IN) and oligofructose (OF) has beneficial effects on the gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
Animal studies confirm the observations from human trials and give more insight into the immune tissue- specific effects of IN/OF.
A clear outcome of the animal studies is that the intestinal immune system and especially the immune cells associated with the Peyer’s patches are responsive to a dietary supplement of IN/OF and/or their metabolites.
The mechanisms of IN/OF include indirect effects such as a shift in the composition of the intestinal flora and the enhanced production of immunoregulatory SCFA and perhaps other bacterial metabolites.
In conclusion, prebiotic IN/OF clearly modulate immunological processes at the level of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, which may be associated with significant health benefits in infants and patients with intestinal inflammatory diseases.

Lomax AR, Calder PC. Institute of Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, UK. arl203@soton.ac.uk

In man, two studies in children and nine studies in adults indicate that the adaptive immune system may be modified by beta2-1 fructans.
Thirteen studies in animal models of intestinal infections conclude a beneficial effect of beta2-1 fructans.
Human studies report some benefits regarding inflammatory bowel disease (four positive studies) and atopic dermatitis (one positive study),
Overall the results indicate that beta2-1 fructans are able to modulate some aspects of immune function, to improve the host’s ability to respond successfully to certain intestinal infections, and to modify some inflammatory conditions.

Prebiotics Research