Indeed, this very idea, to fuel certain members of the intestinal
microbial community by carbohydrates indigestible for the
human host is the prime focus of the prebiotic concept. According
to a recent definition a prebiotic is “a selectively fermented
ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the
composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal microflora
that confers benefits upon host well-being and health”