Fueling the microbiome: How prebiotics are transforming functional nutrition

As consumer awareness of gut health and the many gut axes continues to rise, prebiotics are gaining momentum as a cornerstone of holistic wellness. Once limited to digestive support, these powerful non-digestible fibers are now recognized for their broader health benefits — from immune modulation to metabolic and cognitive support.

Driven by scientific breakthroughs and demand for natural, clean-label solutions, the prebiotic category is evolving rapidly, with new ingredients, targeted formulations, and functional claims reshaping the supplement and functional food landscape. 

Nutrition Insight explores the latest innovations, market trends, and emerging opportunities in the dynamic world of prebiotics in conversation with experts from AB-Biotics, dsm-firmenich, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, and Gnosis by Lesaffre.

“The prebiotic market is experiencing significant growth driven by several key trends,” highlights Emilie Puppinck, the senior product manager of biotics, at Gnosis by Lesaffre. “Consumers are becoming more educated about the importance of gut health and the role of prebiotics in supporting a balanced microbiome.”

“However, they also look for natural ingredients over synthetic alternatives. Prebiotics derived from natural sources like fibers, polyphenols, and yeast components are well-positioned to meet this demand. That being said, consumers lack awareness of the role of prebiotics and postbiotics from a health perspective.”

Dr. Marta Mikš, the senior market development manager dsm-firmenich, agrees, and reveals that the prebiotics market is undergoing notable transformation, fueled by growing consumer focus on gut health, immune support, and the gut-brain axis. She spots three major emerging trends that are actively redefining the sector.

“First, there is growing demand for next-generation high-specificity prebiotics, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which offer targeted benefits beyond traditional fibers. Second, the market is driving demand for tailored prebiotic solutions designed for specific microbiome needs, whether supporting immune function, digestive health, or cognitive performance.”Emilie Puppinck, the senior product manager of biotics, at Gnosis by Lesaffre.

“Third, we are seeing a shift toward biotic and synbiotic formulations that combine prebiotics with carefully selected probiotics or other gut health ingredients (digestive enzymes, postbiotics, botanicals, etc.) for enhanced efficacy.”

At the same time, Vicky Davies, the global marketing director for performance, active, and medical nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, spotlights prebiotics as a trending topic that is “synonymous with gut health.”

“More people are openly discussing gut health, whether it’s through viral DIY fermentation masterclasses or social media creators like Okamoto inspiring trending movements online, and it’s not just among those with gastrointestinal issues — we all understand the impact of good gut health on well-being,” Davies explains.

“Everyday consumers are aware that better ‘whole body’ health comes from within, especially with new research demonstrating the link between the gut and brain, muscles, immunity, skin, and so much more.”

Child health-centered nutrition

According to Sergi Audivert, the co-founder of AB-Biotics, interest in prebiotics for satiety and constipation relief is rising, alongside growing demand for synbiotics — blends of prebiotics and probiotics that work together to support gut health. In response, he says the company is developing innovative formulations that combine both elements to offer a more holistic and effective solution for digestive wellness.

Innova Market Insights’ data suggests that supplement launches with prebiotics saw a 10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2020 and 2024, with the most common health claims focused on digestive and liver health, immune support, and energy. GLP-1-supporting claims grew rapidly at 78% CAGR and inulin has become a top prebiotic ingredient.

https://www.nutritioninsight.com/trend-analysis/prebiotic-proliferation.html

“We are currently studying AB-Digest, a next-generation synbiotic product designed to restore gut microbiota and manage antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) in children,” Audivert reveals. “It combines fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin, two proprietary probiotic strains, and zinc to counteract the negative effects of antibiotics, which remain one of the most common global health challenges.”

“Additionally, we have developed a new formulation that pairs our i3.1 probiotic with psyllium, targeting constipation and promoting regularity, leveraging the clinically proven benefits of this powerful fiber.”Dr. Marta Mikš, the senior market development manager dsm-firmenich, spotlights three emerging trends in prebiotics.

He adds that the company’s most recent innovations in this area are designed to address two widespread digestive concerns — constipation and AAD. Audivert says that the combination of probiotics and prebiotics aims to relieve symptoms while also supporting long-term gut health.

“Synergistic synbiotics”

Mikš at dsm-firmenich says that as a scientific leader in nutrition, dsm-firmenich is advancing innovation through strategic partnerships and research. Efforts include clinical trials on novel HMO blends for infants, alongside pre-clinical studies on HMOs and “synergistic synbiotics” to build a robust portfolio supporting early life nutrition comprehensively.

For early life nutrition, dsm-firmenich has introduced advanced Glycare HMO blends designed to mimic the complexity of human breast milk, enabling targeted benefits across various applications. The company has also developed synergistic synbiotic formulations that pair specific HMOs with selected probiotics to better support the gut microbiome and enhance HMO efficacy.

Looking ahead, dsm-firmenich is expanding its innovation pipeline by exploring how tailored HMO combinations may influence different aspects of infant development. Additionally, the company is investigating new uses for HMOs beyond infancy, aiming to leverage their unique structural properties to support health across multiple life stages.

“HMOs are associated with multiple functional benefits derived from their diverse molecular structures,” Mikš underscores. “HMOs support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria (particularly Bifidobacteria), can enhance overall microbial diversity in the infants’ and adults’ guts, and may provide protection against various pathogens. The primary application of HMO lies in supporting infant development through their inclusion in infant formula.”

“Additional future applications may include dietary supplements for digestive health designed to support gut microbiome and resilience during adulthood, and products that explore HMOs’ potential to influence immune function. By combining multiple HMO structures and pairing them with other biotics, such as postbiotics or specific probiotic strains, we aim to create synergistic synbiotics that better reflect nature’s design.”Vicky Davies, the global marketing director for performance, active, and medical nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

Immunity-boosting innovations

Puppinck at Gnosis by Lesaffre points out that, as a specialist in yeast fermentation, the company has developed Lynside Immunity Prebiotic — the first patented yeast cell wall ingredient with demonstrated prebiotic effects across various human enterotypes. Backed by a dynamic in-vitro gut model study, even low doses of this ingredient enhance microbiota diversity, promoting improved immune function and enabling personalized micronutrition strategies.

Despite growing awareness, many consumers remain unclear about the specific benefits of biotics. According to an IPA Report, this knowledge gap presents an opportunity. As a pioneer in biotic yeast innovation, Gnosis by Lesaffre is committed to educating consumers on the health potential of next-generation biotic solutions like Lynside.

She adds that prebiotics are essential for supporting the immune system by serving as a selective energy source for beneficial gut bacteria. Since 70–80% of immune cells reside in the gut, prebiotics play a crucial role by promoting the growth of specific bacterial groups and their metabolic functions.

During fermentation, these bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate and propionate, which are known to influence immune cell development, proliferation, and differentiation, boosting the body’s overall immune response.

“Science and pre-clinical studies have shown that SCFA can play a part in the immune response in different ways,” Puppinck emphasizes. “Lynside Prebiotic Yeast passes through the digestive system without being degraded and, once in the colon, it will nourish fundamental bacteria of our microbiota, unusually targeted by other prebiotics, allowing them to thrive and produce more SCFA.”

“A dynamic in-vitro gut model study shows a long-lasting fermentation of Lynside Prebiotic Yeast in proximal and distal colons. This scenario challenges the current prebiotic side effects, as it requires a very low daily dosage and promotes a continuing prebiotic response with low gas production. This low dosage (from 500 mg/day) allows for convenient dietary supplement formats like caps.”

Convenient and multifunctional

Davies points out that, while gut health supplements remain popular, functional food and beverage innovations are attracting a broader, convenience-driven audience. Moreover, she says today’s busy consumers prefer easy, tasty prebiotic options that support overall wellness without requiring multiple pills. Brands are responding by developing microbiome-friendly snacks and drinks, such as yogurt fortified with prebiotics, to meet this growing demand.Sergi Audivert, the co-founder of AB-Biotics, highlights the growing demand for multifunctional synbiotics.

To combat pill fatigue, formulators are turning to high-dose formats like gummies and powder sticks. For example, Biotis GOS-OP High-Purity is a concentrated prebiotic solution containing 94% galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), enabling effective doses from just 2 grams. This ultra-pure format allows for versatile, consumer-friendly applications that deliver gut health benefits in convenient and enjoyable forms.

She also spotlights Biotis Fermentis as a next-generation prebiotic ingredient that blends whey protein, Biotis GOS, and probiotic cultures through fermentation. This innovative combination supports both physical performance and overall well-being, catering to the needs of athletes and active individuals — from parents juggling daily tasks to fitness enthusiasts training for marathons.

“Biotis Fermentis can be formulated into a variety of consumer favourites, like protein powders, shakes, shots and drinks, to provide multiple health benefits, including improved gut health and muscle support, alongside a perceived uplift in mood and energy,” Davies concludes.

“For brands, expanding their portfolio to include multifunctional products is becoming more and more important, especially with research showing that four out of five consumers want additional health benefits from sports nutrition products.

“Our fermented whey protein bites concept brings Biotis Fermentis to life. With a unique elderberry taste and a dark chocolate coating, these bite-size snacks deliver all the benefits of prebiotics while tapping into the growing trend for healthy indulgence. Expect to see more guilt-free snacking products hit the shelves soon.”