What is the difference between a probiotic and a prebiotic?
Nowadays, gut health and the microbiome have become widely discussed topics. In this context, the terms ‘probiotics’ and ‘prebiotics’ frequently crop up in conversations about health. But what exactly is the difference between these two terms?
Probiotics: Friends of Your Microbiome
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that offer health benefits, not just for gut health. These ‘good bacteria’ help restore the balance of the gut microbiota, produce many valuable compounds such as vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids, natural antibiotics, and even substances that regulate our mental health and mood. They regulate digestive processes, control the inflammatory response and ensure our comfort and well-being.
How do probiotics work?
Probiotics introduced into the body, for example through dietary supplements, support the bacteria already present in the gut. Not all probiotics work in the same way, so it is important to choose the right product for a specific problem. How they work depends on the specific strain. Some probiotics are effective for hormonal issues, others aid iron absorption, regulate bowel movements, minimise the side effects of antibiotic treatment such as diarrhoea, whilst others reduce the levels of pathogenic bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori. The specialists who are most knowledgeable in this field are: gastroenterologists, dietitians and functional medicine specialists.
Examples of the types of bacteria most commonly used in probiotic preparations:
– Lactobacillus,
– Bifidobacterium,
– Saccharomyces boulardii (yeast),
– Bacillus – our brand, Microbiome Labs, specialises in this genus of bacteria – read more on the MegaSporeBiotic probiotic page and find out why they are so unique.
Are fermented foods, yoghurts and kefir probiotics?
Fermented food is not in itself a probiotic, although it may contain probiotic bacteria. Why does fermented food not meet the definition of a probiotic?
For a product to be classified as a probiotic, it must contain live bacterial cultures in quantities sufficient to provide health benefits. In the case of fermented foods, it is not always possible to guarantee a consistent, precisely defined number of live bacteria, as fermentation processes can affect their numbers.
The definition of a probiotic includes specific strains of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Fermented foods may contain various bacteria depending on the fermentation conditions, and these are not always the ones considered to be probiotic.
Probiotics should survive the digestive process and reach the intestines in sufficient numbers. Not all bacteria present in fermented foods are able to survive the acidic environment of the stomach and other conditions in the digestive tract. Unfortunately, not all supplements available on the market are capable of doing so. Many of them will not work because they will be digested before they reach their destination. Our probiotics boast a 100% survival rate!
The definition of a probiotic also requires clinical trials to confirm its health benefits. In the case of fermented foods, such trials are not always carried out, and the health benefits may be more closely linked to the fermentation process itself than to the presence of specific probiotics.
Nevertheless, fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir and sauerkraut may be beneficial to health due to other components, such as vitamins, enzymes and organic acids. Therefore, although fermented foods can support a healthy microbiome, they do not always strictly meet the definition of a probiotic.
Prebiotics: Food for your good bacteria
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are food-derived substances that are not digested by the human digestive system but reach the large intestine, where they serve as food for the beneficial bacteria present in the gut.
How do prebiotics work?
Prebiotics pass through the upper digestive tract undigested, reaching the intestines where they act as a food source for beneficial bacteria. By providing nutrients for these bacteria, prebiotics help them to multiply and maintain a healthy microbiome.
Examples of prebiotics:
– Inulin (found in onions, chicory, garlic and asparagus),
– Oligofructose (found naturally in: Jerusalem artichokes, chicory, sunroot, dandelion, garlic, leeks, onions, asparagus),
– Dietary fibre (wholemeal rye products, brown rice, groats, porridge, almonds and fruit),
– Resistant starch (starchy foods that have been cooked and then cooled (potatoes, pasta, rice) and stale bread).
The differences between probiotics and prebiotics
1. Nature:
– Probiotics are live microorganisms.
– Prebiotics are dietary substances that are not digested by the human body.
2. Function:
– Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into the body.
– Prebiotics provide nourishment for these bacteria, enabling them to function properly and thrive.
3. Sources:
– Probiotics are available in the form of supplements, whilst probiotic bacteria are also found in fermented foods.
– Prebiotics are found in certain plant-based foods.
Summary
In short, probiotics are beneficial microorganisms (mainly bacteria) that are essential for health, whilst prebiotics are dietary substances that serve as food for these bacteria. Both are crucial for maintaining a healthy microbiome and supporting overall gut health. Adding both probiotics and prebiotics to your diet can help maintain the balance of gut flora and improve your overall health.
Our range includes highly effective PROBIOTICS:
And targeted PREBIOTICS:
All our supplements are exceptionally effective, pure and safe. Their efficacy has been confirmed by numerous clinical trials, which is why they are so highly regarded by clinicians worldwide.