Handbook of Prebiotics / Edition 1

by Glenn R. Gibson, Marcel Roberfroid

Overview

In order to achieve optimal digestion, absorption, and nutritional health, we must have appropriate populations of positive microflora. Prebiotics are functional foods that improve health by fortifying indigenous probiotics within the gut. This fast-growing area of nutrition and microbiology is rapidly amassing data and answering many questions about the necessity and benefit of such functional foods.

Gathering contributions from leading experts in a range of disciplines, Handbook of Prebiotics presents a balanced view of the current knowledge in many different areas of the field. It discusses concept, definition and criteria for classification of a food component as prebiotics It then describes interactions with gut microbiota. Highlighting varying levels of evidence and agreement, the book presents current arguments for and against prebiotic intake. Contributions discuss the biomechanics of prebiotics and their effects on immune status, serum lipid concentrations, mineral bioavailability, and satiety modulation. They consider the health implications of prebiotic intake such as reduced incidence of gastroenteritis and chronic pathogenic gut disorders, including intestinal cancers and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Providing well-rounded coverage, the book explores the varying effects of prebiotics in different populations and age groups such as infants and the elderly, as well as livestock and pets. The final chapters describe food avenues and the safety implications for prebiotic use. Spanning several disciplines including food science, nutrition, microbiology, biotechnology, and the health sciences, this seminal work makes a point to include sound research science and well-balanced views on the potential of prebiotics for promoting good health.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780849381713
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/29/2008
Pages:	504
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Glenn R. Gibson, Marcel B. Roberfroid

Table of Contents

General Introduction: Prebiotics in Nutrition. Gastrointestinal Microflora and Interactions with Gut Mucosa. Prebiotics: Concept, Definition, Criteria, Methodologies, and Products. The Prebiotic Effect: Review of Experimental and Human Data. Effects of Prebiotics on Mineral Absorption: Mechanisms of
Action. Prebiotics and the Absorption of Minerals: A Review of Experimental and Human Data. Immune Functions and Mechanisms in the Gastrointestinal Tract. Prebiotics and the Immune System: Review of Experimental and Human Data. Triacylglycerols and Cholesterol Metabolism, Prebiotics and Lipid Metabolism: Review of Experimental and Human Data. Endocrinology of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Modulation of Satiety: Specific Focus on Glucagon-Like Peptide. Prebiotics and Modulation of Gastrointestinal Peptides. Designing Studies and Rodent Models for Studying Prebiotics for Colorectal Cancer Prevention. Colorectal Cancer Prevention: The Role of Prebiotics. Prebiotics and Reduction of Risk of Carcinogenesis: Review of Experimental and Human Data. Prebiotics and Cancer Therapy. Pathophysiology of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Prebiotics in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Prebiotics and Infant Nutrition. Prebiotics and Nutrition in the Elderly: The Concept of Healthy Ageing. Prebiotics and Animal Nutrition. Food Applications of Prebiotics. Prebiotics and Food Safety. Concluding Remarks. Index
 

Editorial Reviews

"I would strongly recommend this book for food scientists, gastroenterologists interested in intestinal microecology, and anyone working in the prebiotic and probiotic industry."

– Martin H. Floch, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, in Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, Nov/ Dec 2008, Vol. 42, No. 10

From the Publisher