prebiotic

[ pree-bahy-ot-ik ]

adjective

1. Also . existing or occurring before life, or serving as a precursor to it:

   These molecules played a critical role in the prebiotic evolution of life.

   Even if habitable conditions existed only briefly, relics of prebiotic chemistry or rudimentary life still might remain.

2. being, having, or relating to a substance containing dietary fiber that stimulates the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract:

   Oats contain the prebiotic fiber beta-glucan.

   Prebiotic food sources include bananas, leeks, onions, chicory, asparagus, and artichoke.

noun

1. a substance containing dietary fiber that stimulates the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract: Compare probiotic ( def 1 ).

   Our group has begun to develop strategies for incorporating prebiotics into convenience foods.

prebiotic

/ ˌpriːbaɪˈɒtɪk /

adjective

1. occurring or existing before the emergence of life

Word History and Origins

Origin of prebiotic¹

First recorded in 1950–55 prebiotic fordef 1, 1990–95 prebiotic fordef 2; pre- ( def ) + biotic ( def )

Example Sentences

Poppi, the popular prebiotic soda brand, is not as “gut healthy” as it claims to be, a new class-action lawsuit alleges.

From Salon

The complaint, filed May 29 on behalf of San Francisco resident Kristin Cobbs, claims “Poppi soda only contains two grams of prebiotic fiber, an amount too low to cause meaningful gut health benefits for the consumer from just one can.”

From Salon

“Accordingly, a consumer would need to drink more than four Poppi sodas in a day to realize any potential health benefits from its prebiotic fiber,” the suit — filed in the Northern District of California — further states.

From Salon

Poppi’s drinks contain apple cider vinegar, fruit juice and agave inulin, a prebiotic and natural sweetener extracted from the agave tequilana plant.

From Salon

The lawsuit takes issue with the final ingredient, claiming that much of Poppi’s success can be attributed to “agave inulin, the Products’ so-called ‘Prebiotic.’

From Salon