Why does combining a prebiotic and a probiotic (a synbiotic) produce the best results?

We invite you to read our series of articles on the microbiota and prebiotics (Part 3)

Why does combining a prebiotic and a probiotic (a synbiotic) produce the best results?

Synbiotics combine the best of both worlds: live, beneficial microorganisms and precisely selected ‘fuel’ for them. This approach is increasingly replacing the ‘probiotics alone’ strategy.

In the synbiotic:

• a probiotic supplies new bacteria,
• prebiotic:
  • increases their survival rate,
  • helps them colonise the gut,
  • stimulates their metabolic activity.
    

Review studies (Markowiak and Śliżewska, 2017) suggest that synbiotics:

• may be more effective than a probiotic or prebiotic on its own,
• run faster and more reliably,
• are more effective in treating intestinal disorders and preventing diarrhoea.

Benefits of using a synbiotic:

• faster and more stable recovery of the microbiota following antibiotic treatment,
• increased production of SCFAs,
• a better effect on stool consistency and regularity,
• a potentially lower risk of recurrence of intestinal symptoms,
• greater predictability of the effect than with a probiotic alone.

 👉 If the aim is to actively influence the microbiota (e.g. following a course of antibiotics, in cases of IBS or inflammatory bowel disease), a synbiotic usually makes more sense than a probiotic on its own.

Who are prebiotics and probiotics for?

Prebiotics and probiotics can be seen as part of a healthy lifestyle, but there are certain groups for whom their use is particularly beneficial. Dysbiosis – an imbalance in the gut microbiota – is now a very common consequence of modern lifestyles (diet, stress, lack of sleep, medication).

Situations in which prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics should be considered:

• following antibiotic treatment (prevention and treatment of diarrhoea, restoration of the gut microbiota),
• for constipation, bloating, IBS, irregular bowel movements,
• with a diet low in fibre and vegetables,
• in people living with chronic stress or sleep disorders,
• if you are prone to infections (weakened immune system),
• in children with infectious and post-antibiotic diarrhoea (selected strains),
• in older people – for constipation and motility disorders,
• in autoimmune diseases,
• in certain inflammatory and metabolic conditions (always as a complementary measure, not a substitute for treatment).

People who have undergone antibiotic treatment

Antibiotics do not distinguish between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria. Many people experience diarrhoea, bloating and discomfort after a course of treatment. Probiotics help to restore the gut microbiota, whilst prebiotics feed the strains we wish to support. A synbiotic combination is particularly beneficial in this context.

People with dysbiosis and its consequences

Constipation, bloating, IBS and IBD, and irregular bowel movements – these are typical conditions in which modifying the gut microbiota can improve quality of life. Prebiotics regulate bowel movements and stool consistency, whilst probiotics can alleviate pain and discomfort.

If you have IBS or other conditions or illnesses, it is advisable to consult a specialist before choosing a prebiotic, as not all types of fibre will be beneficial in this case.

People with a weakened immune system (use with caution)

The microbiota is closely linked to the immune system. For people who are frequently ill or under a great deal of stress, supporting gut health can lead to a reduced susceptibility to infections. However, for those with severe immunosuppression, the choice of probiotics should always be made in consultation with a doctor.

Children and senior citizens

• In children, certain probiotics have a well-documented effect in preventing infectious and post-antibiotic diarrhoea,
• In older adults, prebiotics support bowel motility and the absorption of minerals, whilst probiotics help to stabilise the gut microbiota and boost immunity.

Restrictions and safety

Although prebiotics and probiotics are generally well tolerated, they are not ‘as harmless as water’. They require careful introduction and a personalised approach.

The most common side effects, which are usually mild:

• bloating,
• gases,
• a rumbling in the stomach,
• slight changes in bowel habits at the start of supplementation.
  

When to be particularly careful:

• active, severe inflammatory bowel disease,
• post-operative conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract,
• immunosuppression (e.g. following transplants, during intensive cancer treatment),
• SIBO – in this group, certain prebiotics and probiotics may exacerbate symptoms (they require a cautious, protocol-based approach and specific types of prebiotics).
  

Read now or save for later:

Part 1: Why is the gut microbiota so important?: https://novolabs.pl/artykul/dlaczego-mikrobiota-jelitowa-ma-takie-znaczenie/

Part 2: How probiotics and prebiotics work: https://novolabs.pl/artykul/jak-dzialaja-probiotyki-i-prebiotyki/

Part 3: Why does combining a prebiotic and a probiotic (a synbiotic) produce the best results?: https://novolabs.pl/artykul/dlaczego-synbiotyk-dziala-najskuteczniej-i-dla-kogo/

Part 4: Frequently asked questions about prebiotics and probiotics: https://novolabs.pl/artykul/najczesciej-zadawane-pytania-o-prebiotyki-i-probiotyki/

Part 5: MegaPre™: a precisely targeted prebiotic https://novolabs.pl/artykul/megapre-precyzyjnie-ukierunkowany-prebiotyk/

Part 6: For experts: MegaPre™ in clinical practice https://novolabs.pl/artykul/dla-ekspertow-megapre-w-praktyce-klinicznej/