3 Benefits of Prebiotics for Adults

Prebiotics, what are they? Prebiotics are a type of fiber that our body can't digest; instead, this fiber feeds healthy bacteria in our gut microbiome. These prebiotic fibers are found in fruits and vegetables. However, some adults may have a diet low in sources of prebiotic fiber.

Luckily, there is a convenient way to get a daily dose of prebiotic fiber to help support your microbiome. Let's explore some benefits of Prebiotics for adults and how to fit a Prebiotic supplement into your well-rounded daily wellness routine.^†

What Are Prebiotics?

What are Prebiotics, exactly? Prebiotics are a fiber in fruits and vegetables and part of our daily diet. What's special about prebiotic fiber is that, while it doesn't dissolve in our stomach, prebiotic fiber instead feeds beneficial bacteria in our GI tract. A diverse gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria is important for digestive health.

Some bacteria in our GI tract are beneficial, while others are not. By nourishing the beneficial bacteria, we help them multiply and support their other functions. Prebiotics are often taken alongside Probiotics: no, that's not a typo; they're two distinct things. But what's the difference between Prebiotics vs. Probiotics?^†

Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics

Probiotics, with an "O," are live strains of beneficial bacteria that help support our gut microbiome. Prebiotics, with an "E," are dietary fibers that feed beneficial bacteria in our gut microbiome. They are both gut health support supplements, but they go about it from different angles. Prebiotics feed pre-existing beneficial bacteria in the gut; Probiotics help colonize beneficial bacteria to the gut and have other supportive functions, like producing short chain fatty acids. Can you take Prebiotics and Probiotics together? Yes! Both these supplements help support digestive health, and it's not uncommon to take both.^†

Why Are Prebiotics Important for Adults?

As a gut-conscious adult, why might you be interested in Prebiotics? Gut health is important at any age, and maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is a great way to support your gut health. Certain factors, such as your diet, lifestyle, and stress, can impact your gut health as you age. So, what's an easy way to support your gut health? Providing your gut with a steady fiber intake can help support a healthy digestive tract environment, and it's a convenient way to support a balanced gut as you age.^†

3 Benefits of Prebiotics for Adults

Taking a daily Prebiotic Fiber supplement can help support you in several ways. Here are a few specific benefits of Prebiotics for adults.

#1 Supports Digestive Health^†

Prebiotics are best known for their digestive health support. Prebiotic Fiber is a food source for just the beneficial gut microbes, nourishing the good bacteria in our GI tract and supporting a diverse gut microbiome. One of the major features of prebiotic fiber is that they selectively target beneficial bacteria and certain probiotic strains to support their functions and help them flourish in our GI tract. A diverse gut microbiome supports the health and function of your gut. ^†

#2 Helps Support a Balanced Diet

A Prebiotic Fiber supplement is a convenient way to help support your balanced diet. Over 90% of women and 97% of men do not meet the recommended dietary fiber intake from food sources, which is 30-38 g/day for men and 21-25 g/day for women.^[1] You can find this fiber in prebiotic foods like oatmeal, bran, flaxseed, nuts, fruits, vegetables and legumes.

There's more than one kind of fiber. Insoluble fiber is found in whole grains and nuts. Soluble fiber becomes a gel in the digestive tract and is found in legumes, apples, and more. Prebiotic fibers are fibers that support beneficial bacteria and provide prebiotic benefits. Not all fiber is prebiotic, and most prebiotic fibers are soluble fibers. Consuming sources of prebiotic fiber, whether through prebiotic foods or supplements, is a great way to increase your fiber intake.

#3 Complements a Healthy Lifestyle

A Prebiotic supplement is an easy addition to a healthy lifestyle. Prebiotics are just one way to support your digestion. Pair your Prebiotic supplement with Probiotics, fiber-rich foods, and gastrointestinal health habits like exercise, regular sleep, and adequate hydration to help support your digestive system.^†

How to Incorporate Prebiotics into Your Daily Routine

There are many ways to incorporate this fiber into your daily routine for prebiotic benefits. The first one you should look for is food. Incorporating prebiotic dietary fiber sources into your diet provides a tasty source of this beneficial fiber. Food sources of prebiotic fiber include onions, garlic, asparagus, and more.^†

If you want to support your diet with an additional source of prebiotic fiber, Nature Made^® offers Prebiotic supplements, which are a convenient option for those looking for additional support. A balanced diet includes prebiotic and probiotic food sources for supporting your gut microbiome and digestive health.^†

When to take Prebiotics? Thankfully, the answer to that question is simple: whenever works best for your schedule. Prebiotics are flexible, they aren’t required to be taken at a certain time of day. Prebiotics are often taken with a meal, or as part of a pre-existing supplement routine. Experiment and find the time that works best for you. Just make sure to first consult with your healthcare practitioner before adding any new supplement to your routine.

Prebiotics work best when they’re taken consistently, so take them at the time that is most easy for you to remember. Looking for convenience? You can mix our Prebiotic Fiber Drink Mix Powder into any non-carbonated beverage of your choice and enjoy!^†

Choosing the Right Prebiotic Supplement

How do you know which Prebiotic supplement to choose? One of the first things you should look for when browsing for a Prebiotic supplement is the type of the fiber (such as soluble or insoluble fiber) and the amount of fiber per serving. This information should be clearly labeled in Supplement Facts, so you know what you're getting. Consider trusted brands that prioritize research over flashy presentation. Nature Made^® offers Prebiotic supplements designed to support digestive health, sourced from high-quality ingredients.^†

If you’re looking for one supplement for the whole family, check out our Prebiotic Fiber Gummies for adults and kids. These tasty gummies help nourish good gut bacteria with an excellent source of Prebiotic Fiber for Adults and a source of fiber for Kids ages 4-18.^†

Probiotic Supplement Support

Another way to support your gut is through supplementing with Probiotics. Probiotics work well with Prebiotics, providing two sources of digestive support. Nature Made^®’s Probiotic Collection offers a range of Probiotic supplements to help you find the right supplement for you.^†

Nature Made^® Probiotic + Prebiotic Fiber Gummies include a clinically studied Probiotic to help relieve occasional gas, bloating, burping, abdominal discomfort and indigestion in addition to Prebiotic Fiber to help nourish good gut bacteria. That’s Probiotic and Prebiotic digestive support in one convenient package.^†

Nature Made^®’s Probiotics 1 Billion CFU Capsules support a healthy immune system, support digestive health and promote regularity with a clinically studied Probiotic. Whatever your needs, explore Nature Made’s Digestive Support Collection today. Nature Made^® is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Vitamin and Supplement Brand.*^†

Give Your Gut the Support It Deserves

Your gut isn't just important for digestion; it's a large part of your overall wellness. Giving your gut the care it deserves is a great step for taking care of yourself. One of the best ways to support your gut microbiome is through nourishing your gut’s good bacteria with prebiotic fiber whether through dietary sources or supplementation. Explore Nature Made^® Prebiotic Supplements and take the next step in helping support your gut health today!^†

* Based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded vitamins and supplements

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. Institute of Medicine (US) Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids; The National Academies Press (US): Washington, DC, 2005