What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are defined as non-digestible dietary fibers that serve as food for probiotics, which are beneficial live bacteria in the gut. These fibers are not broken down by human digestive enzymes but instead pass through the intestinal tract, where they are fermented by the gut microbiota. This fermentation process promotes the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, thereby contributing to improved gut health and potentially enhancing the immune system.

The other options don't correctly define prebiotics. For instance, live bacteria that promote health refer to probiotics, rather than prebiotics. Digestible sugars do not fit the prebiotic definition, as they are broken down by the body and do not fulfill the role of nurturing probiotics. Similarly, the statement that prebiotics are only found in cow's milk is incorrect; prebiotics can be found in a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, not limited to just dairy sources. Thus, the correct understanding of prebiotics highlights their role in supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria through their specific non-digestible fiber content.