B1 Other refereed article (e.g., editorial, letter, comment) in a scientific journal
Prebiotics in food and dietary supplements: a roadmap to EU health claims
Authors: Tuohy, Kieran; Vaughan, Elaine E.; Harthoorn, Lucien F.; Blaak, Ellen E.; Burnet, Philip W. J.; Busetti, Alessandro; Chakrabarti, Anirikh; Delzenne, Nathalie; de Vos, Paul; Dye, Louise; Guillemet, Damien; Houghton, Lesley A.; Kardinaal, Alwine F. M.; Mersh, Cath; Musa-Veloso, Kathy; Nielsen, Annegret; Palasinska, Justyna; Salminen, Seppo; Walton, Gemma; Venlet, Naomi; Hubermont, Charlotte; Calder, Philip C.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Publication year: 2024
Journal: Gut Microbes
Journal name in source: Gut Microbes
Journal acronym: Gut Microbes
Volume: 16
Issue: 1
ISSN: 1949-0976
eISSN: 1949-0984
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2024.2428848(external)
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2024.2428848(external)
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/470970688(external)
Numerous studies have established that prebiotic ingredients in foods and dietary supplements may play a role in supporting human health. Over the three decades that have passed since prebiotics were first defined as a concept, research has revealed a complex universe of prebiotic-induced changes to the human microbiota. There are strong indications of a direct link between these prebiotic-induced changes and specific health benefits. However, at the present time, the EU has not permitted use of the term 'prebiotic' in connection with an approved health claim. This paper is the outcome of a workshop organized on the 25th October 2023 by the European branch of the International Life Science Institute (ILSI). It provides an overview of the regulatory requirements for authorized health claims in the EU, key areas of prebiotic research, and findings to date in relation to prebiotics and digestive, immune, metabolic and cognitive health. Research gaps and documentation challenges are then explored and a roadmap proposed for achieving authorization of 'prebiotic' in the wording of future EU health claims.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |  |
Funding information in the publication:
This work was conducted by an expert group (EG) of the European branch of the International Life Sciences Institute, ILSI Europe. According to ILSI Europe policies, the EG is composed of at least 50% external non-industry members. The complete composition of the EG can be found on the ILSI Europe website (https://ilsi.eu/scientific-activities/nutrition/prebiotics/). Experts are not paid for the time spent on this work. However, non-industry members were offered support for travel and accommodation costs from the above-mentioned task forces when attending workshops/meetings to discuss the manuscript. Journalist and communication consultant Cath Mersh received funding for her writing services from the above-mentioned Task Forces.
