Taskia Chowdhury Mohua

Nowadays, alongside probiotics and prebiotics, we often hear the term "postbiotics." Many might think these three terms are the same, but there are significant differences among them. So, what are these differences? Let’s dive in:

Probiotics:

Probiotics are live microorganisms that reside in our gut. These bacteria help maintain the health of our digestive system.

Prebiotics:

Prebiotics are primarily fibers that serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Postbiotics:

When probiotic bacteria consume prebiotics, they produce certain beneficial bioactive compounds. These are referred to as postbiotics. Essentially, postbiotics are the byproducts created when probiotic bacteria process prebiotics.

Unlike probiotics, postbiotics do not contain any live microorganisms. Instead, they are inactive forms of beneficial bacteria or their byproducts. Postbiotics are generally categorized into two types:

1. Cell-enriched postbiotics

(e.g., inactive bacteria, cell lysates, and cellular derivatives)

2. Cell-free postbiotics

(e.g., cell-free supernatants (CFS), cell-free spent media (CFSM), and bacterial metabolites).

The metabolites include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), organic acids, vitamins, flavonoid-derived postbiotics, exopolysaccharides (EPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTAs), terpenoid-derived postbiotics, and phenolic-derived postbiotics, each playing various roles in the human body.

Benefits of Postbiotics:

Like probiotics and prebiotics, postbiotics also benefit the body. However, while some people might experience side effects from probiotics and prebiotics, postbiotics generally work without causing adverse effects. Since 2020, research on the benefits of postbiotics has significantly increased. These studies have shown that:

Postbiotics act as immune boosters.

They prevent harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream.

They play a crucial role in preventing colon cancer, allergic reactions, and intestinal inflammation.

Postbiotics are particularly beneficial for individuals with digestive issues and low immunity. They help regulate the gut microbiome and alleviate inflammation-related problems.

Sources of Postbiotics:

Postbiotics can be found in high-fiber foods, yogurt, kimchi, and other fermented foods. They are also available in the market in capsule or powder forms.

Side Effects:

Postbiotics are considered safe and easily tolerable for healthy individuals. However, excessive consumption of probiotic foods to increase postbiotic production might cause digestive side effects like gas, bloating, and mild abdominal pain. In such cases, consulting a doctor or dietitian is advised. Individuals who have recently undergone surgery, suffer from heart disease or digestive issues, or are pregnant should be cautious or avoid postbiotics altogether.

The writer is a Bsc Honors (3rd year) Student, Govt. College of Applied Human Science