New Framework for Prebiotic Classification and Health Impact

Microbiomes play a crucial role in health and are increasingly viewed as potential therapeutic targets. The prebiotic concept introduced nearly 30 years ago, suggests that selectively utilized growth substrates can modulate host microbial communities to improve health. Despite the enduring principles, challenges remain in demonstrating that prebiotic-induced microbiota changes directly lead to health outcomes and identifying microbial community members that utilize specific substrates. The Expert Recommendation presents a framework for prebiotic classification, detailing ecological principles, methodologies for microbiome characterization, and statistical approaches to establish causal links between selective microbiome modulation and health effects.