The term probiotics refers to supplements containing beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy intestinal environment. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are specific fibers—such as galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and long-chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS)—that feed and support these helpful microbes.

Research published in the Journal of Nutrition (November 2007; Vol. 137) examined whether adding prebiotics to infant formula might influence infection rates during early life. In this study, infants were fed either:

  • Prebiotic-enriched formula containing GOS and FOS (8 g/L), or

  • A placebo formula made with maltodextrin.

The formulas were given for the first six months of life.

Results suggested meaningful differences between the groups:

  • Infants receiving the prebiotic formula experienced a 9.6% lower rate of recurring infections.

  • Respiratory infections specifically were reduced by 6.7%.

These findings add to a growing body of research on how early nutritional exposures may influence immune development and microbial balance.