The human microbiome is central to our health. The interplay of probiotics and prebiotics contributes to the stability of the microbiome and can have a positive effect on your overall health, especially digestion and the immune system. Now, a new class of bioactive substances is increasingly coming into focus in the field of gut health: the... Postbiotics. According to current studies*, these represent a promising addition to the proven remedies that we can specifically supply to our gut for a strong microbiome.
But what exactly are postbiotics?
While probiotics are live bacteria that are specifically introduced to support the gut flora, postbiotics are the inactive components or Metabolic products these bacteria.
Postbiotics Postbiotics are therefore beneficial substances produced by probiotic ("good") bacteria when they ferment certain food components. This also includes remnants of the bacteria themselves, which still have beneficial effects even after they have been inactivated. Postbiotics improve the barrier function of the gut, can strengthen the immune system, and reduce inflammation. Postbiotics include, among others...short-chain fatty acids (e.g., butyrate), Enzymes, Cell wall fragments the bacteria Vitamins (z.B. Vitamin B and Vitamin K) as well as Amino acids and other bioactive molecules.
Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics - what are the differences?
Although probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics each play different roles in the body, they work hand in hand to keep the microbiome in balance and support overall health:
- Probiotics are beneficial, live microorganisms.
- Prebiotics provide food for these microorganisms. They are therefore not living organisms, but rather indigestible components of food – the so-called dietary fiber.
- Postbiotics are valuable end products that arise from the activity of live intestinal bacteria and offer numerous direct health benefits.
What makes probiotics so interesting?
- Stability: Postbiotics, due to their inactive form, are particularly stable and less susceptible to environmental influences. This makes them a complementary option alongside established probiotics.
- Spectrum of effects: Postbiotics offer a diverse range of potential health benefits that are receiving increasing attention in research. They optimally complement the positive effects of live probiotics.
- Compatibility: As inactive substances, postbiotics are generally well tolerated and can be a useful addition to probiotics, especially for people who might be sensitive to live bacteria.
A balanced diet rich in prebiotic foods and natural sources of probiotics can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut while simultaneously stimulating the production of postbiotics. This supports your microbiome on all levels.
