What are probiotic, prebiotic and post-biotic supplements and their gut health benefits

Image for representational purposes only. Photo Courtesy: iStock

Gut microbiota are the microorganisms present in the digestive tract that play a crucial role in functions of food digestion, nutrient absorption and production of beneficial compounds. They are affected by various factors such as age, lifestyle, diet, genetics and co-morbidities in an individual.

Hormonal disruptors like packaged foods and pesticides is prominently seen in people living in metropolitan cities who are more likely to develop gut dysbiosis (a condition that causes an imbalance in the bacterium in one's gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The use of probiotic, prebiotic and postbiotic supplements helps improve gut health.

Dr Eileen Canday, HoD, nutrition and dietetics, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai explains, "Probiotics are a combination of beneficial bacteria and yeast like Saccharomyces boulardii, lactobacillus and bifidobacteria that are naturally present in the gut and assist in digesting food, producing vitamins like B12 and folic acid that help fight infections, prevent diarrhoea and combat non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes."

She adds, "Probiotic supplements are often prescribed for gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They help in balancing out the loss of good bacteria in the gut. Consuming probiotic-rich foods too can help. They include yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, kefir and pickles."

Canday further explains, "Prebiotics are non-digestible fibre compounds in the food which stimulate the growth of probiotics. Some common examples of prebiotics include fructo-oligosaccharides, inulin, and lactulose. They help in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which improve the gut barrier integrity and function and also modulate glucose and lipid metabolism." They may contribute to preventing colorectal cancer, improving immune function, preventing IBD, relieving constipation and regulating cholesterol levels. Some prebiotic-rich foods include whole grains, bananas, nuts and oilseeds, asparagus, onions, garlic, oats and rye.

Lastly, postbiotics are the bioactive compounds that are the by-products of pre and probiotic metabolism. They have recently gained popularity due to their numerous benefits. Common examples include SCFAs like butyrate, lipopolysaccharides, enzymes, and metabolites like vitamins and minerals. Research has also shown that they are anti-inflammatory, regulate the T-cells for better immune function, improve digestion, manage allergies, help in maintaining normal blood sugar levels and prevent the growth of cancer cells.

Also Read: ‘Farted in public': After Priyanka Chopra's ‘oops' moment, understand the importance of gut health