Synbiotics are products that combine two key components for gut health: probiotics and prebiotics. This combination enhances the benefits of each, supporting a healthy balance in the microbiota and contributing to overall well-being.
Probiotics are live microorganisms—mainly bacteria—that, when consumed in adequate amounts and able to reach their target site alive, can have positive effects on health. There are two main types of probiotics: lactic acid bacteria, such as those from the Lactobacillus genus, and spore-forming bacteria, such as those from the Bacillus genus.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are dietary fibers—mainly complex polysaccharides like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS). These fibers cannot be digested by the human body because we lack the enzymes needed to break them down. However, they pass through the stomach and small intestine undigested and reach the colon intact, where they serve as food for beneficial bacteria.
Together, synbiotics work synergistically: probiotics provide the beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics supply the nutrients these bacteria need to survive, multiply, and deliver their health-promoting effects. Adding synbiotics to the diet can be an effective strategy to maintain a balanced digestive system and support stronger overall health.
It is advisable to consume prebiotics together with probiotics rather than on their own. If a person is experiencing dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut microbiota), prebiotics alone could feed the harmful bacteria and potentially worsen their health condition.
Related Papers:
- Rodriguez Ayala F. y col (2021). Envejecimiento saludable, neuroprotección y disminución del riesgo de muerte cardiovascular asociados al consumo del probiótico Bacillus subtilis. Gerontology & Geriatric Studies, 7(3): doi 10.31031/GGS.2021.07.000662.
- Leñini C. y col. (2023). Propiedades probióticas de Bacillus subtilis DG101 aislado del alimento milenario fermentado japonés Natto. Frontiers in Microbiology, en prensa.
- Cardinali N, Ayala FR, Leñini C, Perez O, Grau RR (2024) Efficacy of The Probiotic Bacillus Subtilis DG101 Against Intestinal Discomfort and Constipation in Healthy Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Ameri J Clin Med Re: AJCMR-129.