The terms probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics often surface in discussions about gut health. But what are they, and how do they work together? Let's break down their interconnected roles.
Probiotics | The Beneficial Live Microorganisms
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) define probiotics as live microorganisms that confer a health benefit when administered in adequate amounts. Probiotics are mostly beneficial bacteria. They are naturally present in some fermented foods or can be added to food and supplements. However, not all foods and supplements that are labelled as probiotics have proven health benefits.
Postbiotics | The Beneficial Byproducts of Probiotics, or Beneficial Non-Live Microorganisms
In simple terms, postbiotics are the beneficial byproducts of probiotics, or beneficial microorganisms that are inactivated (not live). The TGA and the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) define postbiotics as inanimate (non-living) microorganisms and/or their components that have therapeutic activity.
Whilst postbiotics are not live, they are ‘active’ as they must have health benefits. Like probiotics, postbiotics are naturally found in many fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, and kombucha.
In the Biotic family, postbiotics are the new kid on the block. They have several advantages, including better stability, longer shelf life and better environmental tolerance.
Prebiotics | Nourishing Food for Probiotics and the Gut Microbiome
Prebiotics are food for the beneficial bacteria in our gut. Whilst we can’t digest prebiotics, the good bacteria in our gut use prebiotics to thrive and produce beneficial compounds that support digestive and overall health. Prebiotics are dietary fibres naturally found in plant-based foods like bananas or beans. They can also be found in supplements, in more concentrated forms such as inulin. The ISAPP define prebiotics as a substrate that is selectively utilised by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit.
Synbiotics | Beneficial combinations of Probiotics and Prebiotics
Synbiotic supplements are a blend of a probiotic and prebiotic that provide health benefits. They can be:
- Complementary synbiotics: probiotics and prebiotics that work independently to achieve one or more health benefits.
- Synergistic synbiotics: prebiotics that feed the combined probiotic as well as the gut microbiome to achieve health benefits.
The technical definition of synbiotic according to ISAPP is a mixture comprising live microorganisms and substrate(s) selectively utilised by host microorganisms that confers a health benefit.
Gut Microbiome | The Trillions of Microorganisms Within our Intestinal Tract
Often referred to as ‘the garden within’ or ‘the second brain’, our gut microbiome is housed in the intestines. It is made up of trillions of microorganisms, including beneficial bacteria also known as gut or intestinal flora. When our garden within is healthy and thriving, we thrive too.
Biotic ingredients can enhance beneficial flora and promote a healthy gut microbiome. Some of the most important aspects to a healthy gut microbiome are the wide variety of beneficial bacteria, high stability and good resistance to stress-related change. This can influence many aspects of overall health, both within your digestive system and outside of it.
Discover Your Path with Gennue
Embrace this powerful trio for a healthier digestive system with Gennue! At Gennue, your well-being is our priority. Discover GenBalance for gut health, and check our FAQs for any questions. Let us support you on your journey to optimal gut health and vitality.🫐
