Prebiotic Fibre
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Prebiotic Fibre (Inulin, FOS, GOS (various prebiotic fibres)) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 536 participants, researched for Gut Microbiome Support, Mineral Absorption, Immune Function.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Gut Microbiome Support
StrongMineral Absorption
ModerateImmune Function
StrongResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Gut Microbiome Support
To evaluate prebiotic FOS/inulin supplementation on gut microbiome composition.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate prebiotic FOS/inulin supplementation on gut microbiome composition.
Dose
10 g/day inulin-type fructans
Participants
60 healthy adults
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Prebiotic supplementation significantly increased fecal Bifidobacterium counts (bifidogenic effect), elevated butyrate production, and improved stool frequency.
How They Measured It
Fecal Bifidobacterium counts (FISH), SCFA levels, stool frequency
To evaluate prebiotic effects on gut microbiota composition across studies.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate prebiotic effects on gut microbiota composition across studies.
Dose
Various (3-20 g/day)
Participants
Meta-analysis of 26 RCTs, >800 participants
Duration
2-12 weeks
Results
Prebiotics consistently and significantly increased Bifidobacterium counts (SMD 0.64, p<0.001). Dose-response relationship observed with optimal benefit at 5-15 g/day.
How They Measured It
Pooled changes in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus counts
To evaluate GOS prebiotic on gut microbiome and GI symptoms in IBS patients.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate GOS prebiotic on gut microbiome and GI symptoms in IBS patients.
Dose
3.5 g/day trans-GOS
Participants
44 IBS patients
Duration
12 weeks
Results
GOS significantly increased fecal Bifidobacterium and reduced IBS symptom severity scores. Bloating and flatulence improved significantly.
How They Measured It
Fecal microbiome (qPCR), IBS-SSS, flatulence, bloating
Mineral Absorption
To evaluate inulin-type fructans on calcium absorption and bone health in adolescents.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate inulin-type fructans on calcium absorption and bone health in adolescents.
Dose
8 g/day oligofructose-enriched inulin
Participants
100 adolescents aged 9-13
Duration
12 months
Results
Prebiotic supplementation significantly increased calcium absorption by 8.5% and improved bone mineral density at whole body and lumbar spine.
How They Measured It
Calcium absorption (dual stable isotope method), bone mineral density (DXA)
To evaluate prebiotic supplementation on calcium and magnesium absorption in postmenopausal women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate prebiotic supplementation on calcium and magnesium absorption in postmenopausal women.
Dose
10 g/day short-chain FOS
Participants
48 postmenopausal women
Duration
6 weeks
Results
FOS significantly increased calcium absorption by 12% and magnesium absorption by 6%. No significant changes in bone turnover markers at 6 weeks.
How They Measured It
Mineral absorption (stable isotope method), bone turnover markers
Immune Function
To evaluate prebiotic GOS on immune function and infection rates in elderly.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate prebiotic GOS on immune function and infection rates in elderly.
Dose
5.5 g/day Bi2muno GOS
Participants
43 elderly volunteers ≥65 years
Duration
10 weeks
Results
GOS significantly increased NK cell activity and phagocytosis. Anti-inflammatory cytokine profile (increased IL-10, reduced IL-6). Trend towards fewer infections.
How They Measured It
NK cell activity, phagocytosis, cytokine profiles, incidence of infections
To evaluate prebiotic supplementation on vaccine response in infants.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate prebiotic supplementation on vaccine response in infants.
Dose
6 g/L GOS/FOS (9:1) in formula
Participants
215 formula-fed infants
Duration
6 months
Results
Infants receiving prebiotic formula had significantly higher antibody responses to diphtheria and Hib vaccines, along with higher fecal Bifidobacterium counts.
How They Measured It
Vaccine-specific antibody titers, fecal Bifidobacterium counts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Prebiotic Fibre research
There are currently 7 peer-reviewed studies on Prebiotic Fibre (Inulin, FOS, GOS (various prebiotic fibres)), involving 536 total participants. Research covers Gut microbiome support, Digestive health, Calcium absorption and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Prebiotic Fibre has been researched for: Gut microbiome support, Digestive health, Calcium absorption, Immune modulation. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 7 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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