If prebiotics nourish the good bacteria and probiotics are these bacteria themselves, so what are postbiotics? These fascinating compounds play a key role in optimal intestinal health.
What is a postbiotic?
Postbiotics are substances produced by the bacteria of the intestinal microbiota when they ferment dietary fibers (1)(2). In other words, they are the beneficial by-products (metabolites) released or produced by intestinal bacteria (1)(2). The short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are the best-known postbiotics.
Where can you find them?
Postbiotics are not as directly consumable as prebiotics or the probiotics. They are produced naturally in the intestine by a diet rich in fiber and fermented foods (1)(2).
What are their benefits?
Postbiotics are involved in (1)(2) :
Boost immunity and modulate intestinal inflammation
Maintain a healthy intestinal barrier and prevent intestinal permeability
Research into postbiotics is still in progress, but shows promising potential for digestive and overall health (1)(2). Encouraging their synthesis by consuming foods rich in fiber and prebiotics is an excellent habit to adopt to improve digestive well-being and prevent digestive disorders.
Learn more about the roles and functions of dietary fiber, read this article.
Conclusion
Taking care of your microbiota means better digestion and overall good health. By integrating foods rich in prebiotics, in probiotics and by encouraging the production of postbiotics, you give your intestine everything it needs to function at its best!
References
(1) Li et al. (2021) Effects and Mechanisms of Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Postbiotics on Metabolic Diseases Targeting Gut Microbiota: A Narrative Review. Nutrients Sep 15;13(9):3211. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34579087/
(2) Żółkiewicz et al (2020) Postbiotics-A Step Beyond Pre- and Probiotics. Nutrients Jul 23;12(8):2189. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32717965/
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