Evidence supporting the use of: Prebiotic (unspecified)
For the health condition: Lactose Intolerance

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients (often fibers such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides) that selectively stimulate the growth or activity of beneficial gut microbiota. Scientific evidence suggests that prebiotics may help alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance. The primary mechanism involves promoting the proliferation of bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which possess beta-galactosidase (lactase) activity. These bacteria can assist in the breakdown of lactose in the colon, reducing symptoms like bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea that occur in lactose-intolerant individuals.

Several small human studies and clinical trials have investigated this effect. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007) found that supplementing with galacto-oligosaccharides improved lactose digestion and tolerance in lactose-intolerant subjects. Similarly, prebiotic supplementation has been shown to increase fecal beta-galactosidase activity.

However, the overall quality of evidence is moderate, with studies often limited by small sample sizes and short durations. Systematic reviews acknowledge the potential benefit but call for more robust, long-term trials. Thus, while scientific reasoning and preliminary studies support the use of prebiotics for lactose intolerance, the evidence is not yet strong enough for unequivocal endorsement.

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