Fibres & Prebiotics

What manufacturers buy here

This category covers non-digestible carbohydrates and related sugars used as active ingredients or as bulk in a supplement formula. Formulators usually group them by structure and source. Both drive processing behaviour and regulatory status.

• Plant soluble fibres: inulin, konjac glucomannan and arabinogalactan.
• Beta-glucans: beta glucan is obtained from several sources, such as cereals or yeast, and the source defines the material.
• Algal polysaccharides: fucoidan from brown seaweed.
• Monosaccharides: D-mannose and D-ribose are simple sugars, not fibres. They sit here by convention.

Choosing within the category

Source and identity. Two materials sold under the same name can differ in source organism, molecular structure and regulatory status. State the source you need in the quote form. The specification sheet confirms it.

Viscosity and water binding. Inulin dissolves readily and gives low viscosity, so it suits powders and drinks. Konjac glucomannan binds large amounts of water and forms viscous solutions. This affects mixing, dispersion and the disintegration of capsules and tablets.

Amount per serving. Fibres are often declared in grams rather than milligrams, so the label claim decides the format. Gram-level amounts usually point to powders and sachets. Smaller amounts fit capsules.

Moisture. Many of these materials are hygroscopic. Plan for low-humidity handling and moisture-tight packaging. The certificate of analysis states the loss on drying for each batch.

Regulatory notes

Directive 2002/46/EC lists only vitamins and minerals in its Annexes, so these materials are “other substances” for which national rules apply and can differ by member state. Depending on source, some may be novel foods under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283: check each against the Union list and our novel food guide. Some authorities treat “prebiotic” on a label as a health claim under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006; see the health-claims guide first. Use of a fibre as a food additive falls under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.