Prebiotics

Prebiotics, such as fructooligosaccharides, may play a minor role in the management of giardiasis, since they primarily affect the large intestine.  Prebiotics possess limited ability to alter the small bowel ecosystem and most likely have no effect in the proximal section of the small bowel where giardia resides.  Prebiotic fermentation increases short-chain fatty acid production in the colon, and subsequent increased mucin production in the GI tract, which may enhance giardial clearing.  Only minimal dosages of prebiotics can be used (e.g. 2gm twice daily), as symptoms such as abdominal bloating and flatulence may increase.