What is the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics and Synbiotics?

Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are terms related to the beneficial effects of microorganisms and their relationship with human health. Here are the differences between them:

• Probiotics: These are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that play a significant role in digestion, immune health, cognitive health, mood, and more. They are found in some common foods such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables.
• Prebiotics: These are non-digestible fibers that feed probiotics and support their growth and activity. Prebiotics are naturally occurring substances found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Examples of prebiotics include FOS, GOS, XOS, and inulin.
• Synbiotics: These are a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, designed to work together to provide beneficial effects on health. Synbiotics can be classified into two types: complementary and synergistic. Complementary synbiotics consist of a probiotic and a prebiotic that together confer one or more health benefits. Synergistic synbiotics contain a prebiotic substrate that is selectively utilized by co-administered probiotics. Synbiotics are found in some supplements, such as Pro-Gut™, which contains 8 live probiotic strains and a prebiotic called inulin.

In summary, probiotics are live beneficial bacteria, prebiotics are fibers that feed probiotics, and synbiotics are a combination of both probiotics and prebiotics that work together to support gut health and overall well-being.

Comparative Table: Probiotics vs Prebiotics vs Synbiotics

Here is a table comparing the differences between probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics:

Probiotics are live bacteria that provide health benefits, while prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food sources for probiotics. Synbiotics combine both probiotics and prebiotics, offering the health benefits of both.