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What is the difference between
prebiotics and probiotics?
A prebiotic is a non-digestible carbohydrate fermented by beneficial
bacteria in the gut, whereas a probiotic is a beneficial live microorganism
that, when ingested in adequate amounts, confers health positive effects.
Prebiotics and probiotics can work together to maintain a healthy balance of
the colonic microflora. We could also say that prebiotics feed probiotics.
What are the health positive
effects I can obtain by drinking one bottle of Ensure Prebiotics per day?
3 g of scFOS per day for 7 consecutive days have shown to increase the
number of good bacteria in the gut. Each bottle of Ensure Prebiotics provides 3
g of scFOS. 3 g of NutraFlora scFOS/day for 7 days can help:
- Increase your calcium absorption
- Support your immune system, by maintaining a balanced gut flora
- Reduce the risk for diarrhea and constipation
What is the difference between
Ensure and Ensure Prebiotics?
Ensure Prebiotics is complete, balanced nutrition, just like regular Ensure,
with the addition of 3 g of NutraFlora scFOS prebiotics per 235-mL bottle. Both
Ensure and Ensure Prebiotics have essential nutrients and are considered meal
replacements under Health Canada legislation.
Where can I find Ensure
Prebiotics?
Ensure Prebiotics is available in pharmacies and supermarkets.
Can I have too much
prebiotics?
Tolerance to prebiotics varies from one person to another. Generally,
prebiotics are well-tolerated up to a daily dose of 20 g, when split through
the day. A bottle of Ensure Prebiotics provides 3 g of scFOS prebiotics. The
amount of prebiotics found in common foods is generally low. Tolerance to
prebiotics may differ from one person to another. For some persons, it may be
better to gradually increase their intake of prebiotics, as per their
tolerance.
What is the minimal amount of
prebiotics per day I need to benefit from their fermentation?
The minimal amount of scFOS prebiotics that have shown a beneficial positive
effects on gut flora is 2.5 g/day. Therefore, the 3-g dose from a bottle of
Ensure Prebiotics per day should provide you with the health positive effects
related to a balanced gut flora.
Do prebiotics occur in common
foods?
Yes, prebiotics can be found in small doses in common foods such as bananas,
garlic, and Jerusalem artichokes.
How can prebiotics help support
my immune system?
70% to 80% of your immune system cells are found in your digestive tract.
Immune system cells feed themselves with the end-products of the fermentation
of prebiotics by good bacteria. Just like you with your daily activities,
immune system cells can fulfill their protective role only if they have enough
energy to do so.
How can prebiotics help increase
my calcium absorption?
Prebiotics help increase the number of calcium molecules available for
absorption in your gut. This means that, if you have increased calcium
requirements, prebiotics may be an appropriate addition to your diet.
Why should I choose Ensure
Prebiotics over regular Ensure when I am recovering?
When recovering from illness or surgery, your gut flora may be unbalanced
due to poor nutrition during the acute phase of the illness. On top of being a
delicious complete and balanced meal replacement just like regular Ensure,
Ensure Prebiotics provides you with 3 g of NutraFlora scFOS per bottle to help
maintain a good balance in your gut flora and thereby help support your immune
system.
How can I determine my tolerance
to prebiotics?
If you are consuming more prebiotics than your gut can tolerate, you may
experience some gastrointestinal symptoms such as flatulence, bloating,
cramping and diarrhea. In order to minimize these effects, you may wish to
start your prebiotic consumption slowly and increase your intake gradually, as
per your tolerance. A dose of 1 to 10 g/day is generally well-tolerated. A dose
of 10 to 20 g/day of prebiotics is usually well-tolerated if split throughout
the day.
Can I drink Ensure Prebiotics
when using antibiotics?
Ensure Prebiotics can help stimulate the growth of good bacteria in your
gut, which may be affected by antibiotic use. As you now know, a balanced gut
flora is essential to support your immune system. It is advisable however to
talk with your health care professional before starting to consume prebiotics
while using antibiotics.
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