Prebiotic and probiotic , symbiotic, post biotic … Between all these “biotics » , we no longer know where to turn. Often, we don't understand anything, and that's normal. So let's try to see it more clearly.
Little trip back in time. The origin of the word “biotic » comes from the Latin bioticus which means “ life ” . If we return to our era, we define it globally as that which relates to the living world.
Probiotics
What are probiotics?
According to the WHO, probiotics are defined as “ live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate quantities, confer health benefits to the host ” .
What should we understand from this definition? By “ microorganisms ” , we mean, among other things, bacteria , and at first glance, this can be scary since they are often portrayed negatively. We often associate this term with illness, although there are also good bacteria , which contribute to the proper functioning of our body and keep us in good health. We also have a lot of them!
What are probiotics used for?
With our modern lifestyles, we are increasing the risk factors that kill these beneficial bacteria that live in our intestines. Among them, we find pollution, tobacco, alcohol, industrial food and even antibiotics... By unbalancing our intestinal flora , they disrupt, at the same time, the many mechanisms associated with it. This has a direct impact on our health, our vitality and certain aesthetic characteristics such as the quality of the skin.
This is why research has looked into solutions, the best of which surely remains taking supplements. Indeed, studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of oral probiotic intake when it is of quality. What does it mean ? Quality probiotics are supplements that contain at least 10 billion CFU per dose , which is the minimum dose that studies have established to have a real proven effect. In addition, it is also recommended to multiply the strains, that is to say the species of bacteria, to optimize the synergies and the action of each species in the intestinal microbiota in order to ensure maximum effectiveness. Also ensure the seriousness of the production and conservation of the products , because probiotic bacteria are relatively fragile.
At DIJO, we aimed to create the best possible probiotic treatment to help you find balance within your microbiota . It contains 8 strains selected for their recognized actions, as well as 28 billion CFU to guarantee their effectiveness. Thus, we observe better digestion, overall digestive comfort, a strengthened immune system , a reduction in stress, a reduction in skin problems, a boost in energy, improved morale, etc.
Prebiotics
What are prebiotics?
The prefix pre-marks anteriority. In this sense, prebiotics correspond to the substrates of probiotics . These include fibers or flavonoids which have the particularity of nourishing intestinal bacteria. Fibers, in particular, progress throughout the digestive tract without being broken down by humans since we do not digest them. On the other hand, the bacteria present in our intestines know how to use them wisely. Thus, they promote their growth, their development, and also energize their functions.
What are prebiotics used for?
Consuming probiotics and preserving the balance within your microbiota is good, but by providing these bacteria with a quality nutritional environment , thanks to prebiotics, it is even better and above all more effective!
Prebiotics are found in food, but be careful, not all fibers have a prebiotic effect. Do not hesitate to read our article dedicated to prebiotics to find out more.
Symbiotics
What are symbiotics?
The prefix sym- here refers to association . Symbiotics are therefore the symbiosis between probiotics and prebiotics. Thus, the term “ symbiotics ” is used when a single product combines both.
What are symbiotics used for?
Prebiotics stimulate probiotics, they promote their survival in the digestive tract and allow them to provide all their benefits under good conditions. Take prebiotics and probiotics together is therefore even more effective. It is also possible to create your own symbiotic association by finding out about the most advantageous synergies that exist between a particular strain of bacteria and a particular prebiotic.
Post biotics
What are post biotics?
This term is quite new and therefore less known to the general public. According to ISAPP, post biotics are defined as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components conferring a benefit for the health of the host”. These components, resulting from fermentation , may in particular be peptides, proteins, amino acids or even enzymes.
What are post biotics used for?
Post biotics are produced from the fermentation of genetically modified bacteria or probiotics with the aim of responding to specific health problems such as allergies, infectious diseases such as gastroenteritis and digestive disorders in general, by acting directly at the heart of the intestinal sphere . They help strengthen the intestinal barrier, restore the microbiota and stimulate the immune system, with the same effectiveness as probiotics.
What is the difference between prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and post biotics?
A perfectly healthy microbiota needs good bacteria from probiotics, as well as prebiotics to nourish them. The term symbiotic defines the combination of prebiotics and probiotics , as for postbiotics, their difference is based on the fact that they are not living microorganisms but inactivated bacteria or metabolites resulting from fermentation.
Sources:
[1] Maldonado Galdeano, C., Cazorla, SI, Lemme Dumit, JM, Vélez, E., & Perdigón, G. (2019). Beneficial Effects of Probiotic Consumption on the Immune System. Annals of nutrition & metabolism , 74 (2), 115–124. https://doi.org/10.1159/000496426
[2] de Vrese, M., & Schrezenmeir, J. (2008). Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. Advances in biochemical engineering/biotechnology , 111 , 1–66. https://doi.org/10.1007/10_2008_097
[3] Orel, R., & Kamhi Trop, T. (2014). Intestinal microbiota, probiotics and prebiotics in inflammatory bowel disease. World journal of gastroenterology , 20 (33), 11505–11524. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v20.i33.11505
[4] Judkins, TC, Archer, DL, Kramer, DC, & Solch, RJ (2020). Probiotics, Nutrition, and the Small Intestine. Current gastroenterology reports , 22 (1), 2. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-019-0740-3
[5] Holscher HD (2017). Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota. Gut microbes , 8 (2), 172–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2017.1290756
[6] Markowiak, P., & Śliżewska, K. (2017). Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health. Nutrients , 9 (9), 1021. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9091021
