WildLife Group
of the SAVA
Prebiotics vs Probiotics
For many years, game farmers, breeders as well as
general enthusiasts have debated just why the Acacia
Sp. is the single, most sought-after natural feed of wild
Herbivores. A major contributory reason, it seems,
is the recent discovery that Acacia is a rich source of
natural prebiotics.
Frank W. Jackson M.D. updated an article on 15
December 2015 wherein the differences between
prebiotics and probiotics was highlighted.
Whereas probiotics have long been understood as
being either naturally derived - mostly from live
bacteria in yogurt and other dairy products- or
synthetically produced by pharmaceutical companies,
they do not have the same health properties as
prebiotics.
In short, prebiotics are specialised plant fibres
that nourish the good bacteria already existing in
the digestive tract of the host. Prebiotics are the
“fertiliser” for this good bacteria, helping them to
grow, thereby improving the positive ratio of good-tobad bacteria. It must be noted that this ratio has been
shown to have a direct correlation to general health,
and overall well-being and condition of the host.
Acasia fibre, which contains Gum Arabic, is major
source of prebiotics. A major finding is that these
fibres themselves are not digested. Instead, they are
used to promote the growth of many of the good
bacteria in the gut. These, in turn, provide many
digestive and general health benefits. Recent studies
have shown that prebiotics and gut balance play
a direct role in maintaining overall health. When
prebiotics are consumed/ingested on a daily basis,
there is a notable reduction in anxiety, depression and
stress.
Prebiotics, unlike probiotics, are not destroyed by
heat, acidity or bacteria. Getting the full benefits
of probiotics is simple, especially when they are
consumed in a full-spectrum supplement form such as
BOSKOS. Dr. Jackson continues - in the extract from
“Prebiotics vs Probiotics” - that science has proven
the health benefits of prebiotics to include; increased
bone density, a strengthened immune system, betterregulated appetite and weight control and improved
general health.
Wildlife Feed
www.wesenterprises.co.za
24