The gut connects everything. The instinctual phrase, ‘to go with your gut’, is not just a figure of speech, it’s intrinsically linked to our physiological health. However, the gut is influenced by external factors, and what we feed it will change an individual’s life- and healthspan over time. By feeding our guts age-appropriate prebiotics, we can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and improve gastrointestinal health, immune function and support wellbeing throughout our lives.
At Clasado, we are championing the latest research that investigates why a better healthspan begins in the gut and, ultimately, how formulators can help consumers live healthier lives.
Bifidobacterium at birth
From birth and during infancy, bifidobacteria are the most predominant microorganisms in the human gut. For breastfed infants in particular, numerous studies have observed that bifidobacteria continue to remain the dominant beneficial microbiota until complementary foods are introduced six months after birth[1].
The composition of human breastmilk is far from simple though. According to a 2023 study regarding prebiotics in newborns, human milk contains a variety of bioactive components, including immunoglobulins, vitamins, minerals and enzymes, alongside human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). It’s noted that when a mother’s milk matures four to six weeks after birth, it can contain anywhere between 5-20g of HMOs in every litre of milk[2]. Alongside the infant’s gut barrier, gut microbiota composition, and mucosal immune system, this composition of prebiotic HMOs in the gut helps to build effectively the infant’s first line of defence against common human viruses and infant specific viruses. Due to its complex composition and how it matures during the first stage of an infant’s life, human breastmilk has yet to be replicated in any infant formula currently on the market. However, there is now substantial evidence that certain prebiotics, such as Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), can offer boosted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and improve the gastrointestinal barriers when added to infant formula3. While only a partial replication is possible, studies have since suggested that those fed GOS-supplemented formula had the same and lower rate of fever and respiratory tract infection duration as those of breastfed infants4.
Increasing microbiome diversity during the early years and school
From ages one to five, the digestive systems of toddlers and young children are continuously challenged. The introduction of new foods in their diet, alongside external factors outside of their control (attending nursery, pre-school), upsets the delicate balance of microbiota in the gut. It’s at this stage where we gradually see a natural decline in bifidobacteria – and where prebiotics can easily assist in bridging that gap.
Foods, such as bananas, garlic, onions, oats and wholegrains, are recommended as staples in toddlerhood due to their naturally occurring prebiotics and their ability to produce SCFAs. These help to maintain the gut barrier, supporting the body’s first line of immune defence, alongside boosting brain function and metabolism. In combination with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age and beyond – as recommended by WHO – or via prebiotic supplemented infant formula and fortified cow’s milk or yoghurt, young children can benefit from increased resilience when building up their immunity in the most crucial years of their lives.
Once children enter school, those who have a well-rounded diet with regular prebiotic intake are better equipped to deal with external factors that affect their physical and mental health. According to the Global Prebiotics Association, daily prebiotic intake creates compounding health benefits over time5. For example, children are notorious for refusing certain foods due to texture, flavour or just because they are picky. If prebiotic-rich foods are phased out of their diet due to preference or refusal, over time gaps in beneficial bacteria appear, systematic inflammation may begin to take place, and their gut barrier may become compromised. This invites more pathogens, which become harder to fight, and a compromised gut barrier is longer in duration than a strong one. Therefore, it’s imperative that prebiotic intake remains steady when approaching adult-like microbiome diversity.
The importance of bifidobacteria in adulthood and later life
As we age, our levels of bifidobacteria continue to decline. Best detailed in our infographic, various external stressors in our lives can have a major impact on the beneficial bacteria in our gut. Certain health conditions, stress, diet, travel and antibiotics can affect our gut microbiome, ultimately decreasing the number of bifidobacteria present. However, prebiotic-rich plant-based foods can only take the gut barrier so far as they stimulate a limited number of bacteria. This is where prebiotic supplementation naturally shines.
Bimuno® GOS, our proprietary galactooligosaccharide ingredient, has been clinically shown to improve gut microbiota composition and immune markers from young adulthood to later life, delivering real-world applicability in products focused on immune support, sports nutrition, cognitive and mental health, and overall well-being.
For example, research conducted by Liverpool John Moores University indicated that up to 86% of athletes have experienced gut inflammation and vomiting during intense training. If a daily prebiotic were to be introduced for athletes, such as Bimuno GOS, it can reduce upper respiratory symptom duration by 24% and help to decrease gastrointestinal discomfort in just seven days6. Implementing a clinically backed ingredient like Bimuno GOS into ready-to-drink or protein bar applications is an ideal market opportunity for sports nutrition brands looking to expand their portfolio.
For mature adults over 55, bifidobacteria levels are at their lowest, digestive transit slows, cognitive ability declines, and the immune response naturally weakens, a process known as immunosenescence. This is where a daily prebiotic can help to maintain physical vitality, mental clarity and independence.
In fact, previous clinical research has linked GOS intake to improved attention to positive stimuli and reduced anxiety, particularly valuable benefits for older adults looking to maintain cognitive sharpness and emotional balance. The ingredient has also been shown to promote mucosal immunity and support the barrier integrity. Prebiotics like Bimuno GOS are therefore especially attractive to formulators seeking to create cognitive support products for ageing consumers that are backed by clinical validation.
The best foot forward for our gut happens in the earliest stages of life, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore our gut instinct to help our bodies function and feel better. Prebiotics are that lifeline to an improved healthspan, offering an accessible, scientifically backed solution that all starts with the gut.
References
1, 2. Selvamani, Shanmugaprakasham et al. “Prebiotics in New-Born and Children’s Health.” Microorganisms vol. 11,10 2453. 29 Sep. 2023, doi:10.3390/microorganisms11102453
- Bhatia, Shikha et al. “Galacto-oligosaccharides may directly enhance intestinal barrier function through the modulation of goblet cells.” Molecular nutrition & food researchvol. 59,3 (2015): 566-73. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201400639
- Shahramian, Iraj et al. “The effects of prebiotic supplementation on weight gain, diarrhoea, constipation, fever and respiratory tract infections in the first year of life.” Journal of paediatrics and child healthvol. 54,8 (2018): 875-880. doi:10.1111/jpc.13906
- Global Prebiotics Association, Healthspan Infographic, 2025
- Parker, C et al. “Effects of 24-week prebiotic intervention on self-reported upper respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and markers of immunity in elite rugby union players.” European Journal of Sport Science, Vol. 23, Issue 11, November 2023 https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2023.2216657
