There have been growing calls for research to focus on precision medicine to fully harness the potential of prebiotics.
For those unfamiliar, prebiotics are nutrients broken down by gut bacteria.
That moment may have arrived.
Humankind should benefit from the efforts of Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU).
Using fruit peels, GBU has developed a powder-based prebiotic supplement.
The product has the potential to improve gut health. It should be launched soon in India.
The supplement supports the growth of good gut bacteria. It’s designed for people who cannot consume enough dietary fibre. It contains a blend of 11 pectic oligosaccharides — complex carbohydrates derived from pectin, a soluble fibre found in fruit peels.
Researchers selected Kinnow Mandarin, a hybrid citrus fruit, as the source for the supplement.
They collected 50 kg of peel waste from a local fruit vendor in Mauli Baidwan village in Mohali, Punjab.
The team published its findings in the Elsevier journal in August. A provisional patent has also been filed, according to reports.
The supplement was tested on a faecal sample from a healthy 30-year-old male. He had not taken antibiotics in the previous six months.
Researchers used Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTQ-PCR) to assess the results.
They observed an increase in beneficial gut bacteria after a daily intake of four grams for 21 days.
Fruit peel fibre acts as a prebiotic. It feeds gut-friendly bacteria such as lactobacillus. When the fibre is fermented, polyphenols are broken down into forms the body can use more easily.
This helps strengthen the gut lining and supports digestion. The process also produces short-chain fatty acids, which benefit both gut and overall health.
Lead researcher Ravindra Pal Singh told a section of the media that the formulation was enhanced with an enzyme to increase its effectiveness. He noted that similar work had been done earlier using apple peel. The choice of Kinnow Mandarin, he said, was based on its local availability.
The product is particularly aimed at individuals recovering from long-term antibiotic use who cannot consume enough roughage. Singh said such a supplement could be recommended by doctors and dieticians in these cases.
To ensure it is safe for people with diabetes or obesity, the team used an enzymatic process to remove all glucose content from the product.
For a long time, humankind sought several answers to personalised nutrition. Thanks to GBU, it may have got another major breakthrough.
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