Probiotics + Prebiotics = Postbiotics
Haven’t heard of postbiotics? You’re most definitely not alone. A fairly new term in the health and wellness world, researchers have recently begun exploring the potential of postbiotics when it comes to supporting the gut.
Postbiotics are what’s created when “good” gut bacteria feeds on prebiotic fibers. In other words, prebiotics + probiotics = postbiotics.
Postbiotics are what’s left at the end, once the “good” bacteria has fed on fiber (prebiotics). They include a number of substances and nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, as well as short-chain fatty acids.
Short-chain fatty acids are a particularly interesting type of postbiotic because they are thought to contribute to supporting gut health. This is because studies suggest that they can help the “friendly” bacteria flourish in the gut. One of the most prevalent of these is called butyrate, which is believed to support both gut and intestinal health.*