Leeks

Overview

Leeks are allium vegetables providing fructooligosaccharides (FOS) prebiotic fiber, supporting gut microbiome diversity. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are found in onions, garlic, leeks, and asparagus, and are part of the allium family with prebiotic benefits.

Recipes

no recipes found

Substances

3 substances in this food

Acetate

Most abundant SCFA supporting gut barrier integrity and immune regulation

Propionate

SCFA supporting neuroinflammation reduction, blood-brain barrier protection, and neurotransmitter regulation

Vitamin K2 (MK forms)

Calcium handling; potential roles in brain health; often co-occurs with fat-soluble vitamins

Preparation Notes

• Can be consumed cooked or raw
• Part of diverse prebiotic fiber strategy
• Supports Bifidobacterium growth
• Pair with other allium vegetables

Biological Target Matrix

Biological Target	Substance	Contribution Level	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Gut–Brain Axis & Enteric Nervous System (ENS)	Acetate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Byproduct of fibre fermentation; supports intestinal barrier integrity; regulates immune responses; promotes synthesis of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin
Gut–Brain Axis & Enteric Nervous System (ENS)	Propionate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Byproduct of fibre fermentation; supports intestinal barrier integrity; regulates immune responses
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress	Acetate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Supports immune regulation and anti-inflammatory processes
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress	Propionate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Helps reduce neuroinflammation and protects the blood-brain barrier; enhances cognitive function
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Propionate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Stimulates secretion of norepinephrine and may influence dopamine regulation; promotes synthesis of key neurotransmitters

References

• Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): Onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus