Effects of Prebiotics on Immunity

Introduction

Immature immunity makes an infant vulnerable to infections.¹ Prebiotic supplementation enhances the development of the infant immune system.^2,3 This infographic answers how prebiotic supplementation enhances the infant's immunity.

Mechanism of Action of Prebiotics²

Effects of Prebiotics on Immunity figure 1

Figure 1 Mechanism of Action of Prebiotics.

A. Direct action: Neutralize and prevent pathogens adhesion, thus, preventing infection acting as decoy receptors.
B-M: Indirect actions
B-D. Promote the growth of commensal flora, outcompeting pathogens.
C. Enhance protein transcription for barrier integrity.
E. Enhanced SCFAs lowers gut pH, favoring the growth of beneficial bacteria.
F. SCFAs promote Crypt, villi development – Proper nutrients absorption.
G. SCFAs act as an energy source for enterocytes that develop epithelium.
H, I. Gut barrier integrity maintenance – Prevents pathogen translocation through the leaky gut barrier.
J, K, L, & M: Overall gut immunity improvement through Th1 and Treg activation and IgA secretion.

Prebiotics and Immunity³

Effects of Prebiotics on Immunity figure 2

Figure 2 Prebiotics and Immunity.

IgA Secretory Action^3,4: Prebiotics increase IgA production in GALT via Peyer's patches.

Effects of Prebiotics on Immunity figure 3

Figure 3 IgA Secretory Action.

Clinical Benefits of Prebiotics (GOS and FOS) in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders⁵

Effects of Prebiotics on Immunity figure 4

Figure 4 Clinical Benefits of Prebiotics (GOS and FOS).

Key Takeaways

Prebiotics can boost the development of an infant's immunity through gut microbiota modulation.^1,5,8
GOS and FOS prebiotic supplementation can prevent infections in infants to enhance overall health.^6,9

Abbreviations

FOS: Fructooligosaccharide; GOS: Galactooligosaccharide; IgA: Immunoglobulin A; SCFAs: Short-chain fatty acids; Th1: T helper cell type 1; Treg: Regulatory T cells.

References

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