Key beneficial properties
Inulin and lactulose are prebiotic carbohydrates that are not broken down in the small intestine and are selectively fermented by the colonic microbiota.
Selective fermentation by the microbiota
They are not digested by human small-intestinal enzymes and serve as substrates for fermentation by certain members of the colonic microbiota, including bifidobacteria.
Resistance to digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract
They pass through the stomach and small intestine unchanged, which determines their functional role specifically in the large intestine.
Functional food ingredient
They are used in the food industry as ingredients for enriching products with dietary fibre (inulin) or as components of functional formulations (lactulose).
Technological compatibility
Both ingredients are technologically compatible with probiotic cultures, making it possible to create synbiotic formulations combining probiotics and prebiotics in dietary supplements.
Importance for the Body’s Daily Functioning
Probiotic microorganisms are natural representatives of the human microbiota and traditional food fermentation cultures used in dietary supplements.
Depending on the genus, they colonise different parts of the digestive tract or are used outside the body in the production of fermented foods.
They serve as core cultures for a wide range of fermented products, including fermented dairy products, cheeses and silage, as well as probiotic dietary supplements.
For industrial use, the key parameters include strain stability during cultivation, resistance to processing conditions such as temperature, pH and freeze-drying, and compliance with CFU requirements.
Strain-specific characteristics determine whether a culture is suitable for a particular production process.
01.Fermentation Activity
Produce organic acids that affect the pH of the fermentation environment
02.Strain-Specific Stability
Resistance to cultivation and storage conditions varies between strains
03.Compatibility in Formulations
Used individually or in combination with other probiotic cultures
04.Controlled Concentration and Properties
Viability is confirmed through laboratory testing at every stage of production; specific parameters depend on the genus and strain
Why manufacturers choose prebiotics from BTU Pharma?
We offer prebiotic ingredients with quality control at every stage of supply — from incoming raw material inspection to the finished product form intended for industrial use
Raw material quality control
Incoming inspection and laboratory verification of compliance with specifications.
Scientific support
Development of synbiotic formulations in cooperation with specialists according to the customer’s requirements.
Flexible supply formats
Powdered or liquid form — subject to agreed volumes.
Compatibility with the probiotic product range
Option for integrated supply of prebiotics together with BTU Pharma probiotic cultures.
Strains we grow
Industrial applications of inulin and lactulose
Food industry
Ingredients for enriching foods with dietary fibre and for use in functional food formulations.
Pharmaceutical industry
Raw materials for the production of dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products based on prebiotic carbohydrates.
Infant nutrition
A component of functional infant nutrition formulas, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.
Veterinary industry
A component of feed additives intended to support digestion in animals.
Cosmetology
Inulin is used in cosmetic formulations as a moisturising and stabilising ingredient.
Confectionery industry
Inulin is used as a sugar or fat substitute and as a source of dietary fibre in low-calorie products.
Planning to Purchase Prebiotic Raw Materials for Your Own Production?
Inulin and lactulose are prebiotic ingredients traditionally used in dietary supplements, functional foods and pharmaceutical products. Neither ingredient is absorbed in the small intestine; instead, they serve as substrates for fermentation by the colonic microbiota. This determines their use both as standalone ingredients and in synbiotic combinations with probiotic cultures.
BTU Pharma offers prebiotic raw materials with quality control at every stage of supply, as well as the option of integrated deliveries together with probiotic cultures manufactured in-house.
Benefits of working with BTU Pharma:
- More than 25 years of experience in biotechnological manufacturing
- Integrated supply of probiotics and prebiotics
- Flexible supply formats in agreed volumes
- Quality control at every stage
Contact our B2B department to discuss technical requirements and supply volumes.