Research conducted over a six week period compared the effect of inulin and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation observing significant differences in microbiota modulation with increases in Coprococcus and Bacteroides for the omega-3 arm, while Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcaceae UCG-011 and an unidentified taxon from the Lachnospiraceae family were significantly increased in the inulin group. The researchers also observed increases in short-chain fatty acids as well as branch-chain fatty acids with both groups. The researchers conclude by suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids possess the functional properties of a prebiotic.