Prebiotic Fiber
Everything you need to know
Prebiotic fiber supports healthy gut bacteria, benefitting your digestive health as well as your immune system. But not all dietary fiber is a prebiotic fiber, and not every prebiotic fiber is the same.
We’ve assembled helpful resources about prebiotic fiber, including its benefits, best sources and more.
Expert Review by
Derek Timm, PhD, RDN
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What is prebiotic fiber?
Prebiotics are non-digestible plant fibers that nourish the good bacteria (probiotics) in your digestive system, helping them grow and flourish. Prebiotic fiber can be found in plant-based foods that make up a healthy diet such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics
Prebiotics and probiotics can support our gut microflora and bring things back into balance. While they work in slightly different ways, both offer a wide range of health benefits.
Prebiotics
Plant-based fibers that come from your diet. Once consumed, they travel to your digestive tract, where they act as a food source for the healthy gut bacteria, stimulating their growth, resulting in a health benefit.
Probiotics
The helpful (good) bacteria living in your gut. We need a variety of these healthy colonies to support our digestive system, our immune system and maybe even our mood.
How do you knowif you need a prebiotic?
Some signs of fiber insufficiency include constipation, flatulence, frequent upset stomach and hemorrhoids. If you follow a gluten-free diet, you may be at an even greater risk for a dietary fiber deficiency since gluten-containing cereal grains often are good sources of fiber.