Postbiotics: a new frontier in understanding gut and overall body health

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Postbiotics are currently attracting a lot of attention, and many scientists are studying their potential health benefits. Although this is a relatively new field, researchers are convinced that postbiotics play a key role in the health of the gastrointestinal tract. The use of postbiotics is considered to be the most innovative, multidisciplinary biotechnological approach. The number of related research results and patents is growing with every year. According to PubMed, some 250 studies on postbiotics were published in 2023, and another 74 in early 2024. In parallel, the global postbiotics market has also grown considerably (1).

While postbiotics may seem like a novelty, they have been used in Japan for over a century, sold as supplements and added to foods and beverages, such as juices, pancake mixes, soups, ice cream, and popcorn (2).

What are postbiotics and how do they work?

The “good” gut bacteria work hard to keep us healthy. One important way they do this is by producing compounds that are beneficial to health, such as short-chain fatty acids, B vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids, which we refer to as postbiotics (3). All these compounds have a positive effect on health. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, while B vitamins increase energy and support everything from brain health to immune function and digestion.

The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics defines the term postbiotic as “a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host” (4).

Therefore, in contrast to probiotics (“good” bacteria), which are living microorganisms, postbiotics are non-living. However, this does not mean that they cannot have an impact on health. They are comparable to some vaccines, which contain non-living viruses, but nevertheless affect the immune system and provide protection against infection.

Simply put, postbiotics are by-products of the digestive process in the intestine. We can think of probiotics as the “good” intestinal bacteria and prebiotics as their “food” (mostly fibre). When probiotics “eat” prebiotics, postbiotics are produced. These are bioactive compounds that provide various health benefits to the body (5).

They are associated with many benefits for the gut, the immune system, and other aspects of health. This is because many of the health benefits associated with prebiotics and probiotics are actually due to the production of postbiotics.

As these terms can sometimes cause confusion, here is a brief definition of each type:

. Probiotics are “good” or “friendly” gut bacteria that support health by converting fibre into compounds that are beneficial to health (6).

. Prebiotics are a group of nutrients, mostly fibre, that are food for the beneficial gut bacteria (7).

. Postbiotics are bioactive compounds that probiotic bacteria produce when they consume prebiotics (fibre).

The diversity of postbiotics: what exactly do they include? (5,9)

Postbiotics are not a single substance, but a diverse group of compounds that include:

. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): butyrate, acetate, propionate, all of which are important for the health of the intestinal mucosa, immunomodulation, and metabolism.

. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS): may have an immunostimulatory effect in small amounts.

. Exopolysaccharides: polysaccharides produced by bacteria that have potential prebiotic and immunomodulatory properties.

. Enzymes: enable the breakdown of food and the release of nutrients.

. Bacterial cell wall particles: may have anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory effects.

. Bacterial lysates: mixtures of bacterial components with potential immunomodulatory effects.

. Cell-free supernatants: mixtures of compounds produced by bacteria, including metabolites, vitamins, and amino acids.

Action mechanism of postbiotics: how do they affect health? (3)

Research on the health benefits of postbiotics has increased significantly since 2020 (4). The most convincing data point to the ability of postbiotics to improve immune and digestive health. In particular, postbiotics have been shown to stimulate the maturation of the immune system and support the intestinal barrier, keeping pathogens out of the bloodstream.

Postbiotics act in a variety of ways, including:

. Strengthening the intestinal barrier: SCFAs, such as butyrate, nourish the cells of the intestinal lining (colonocytes) and strengthen their cellular connections, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.

. Immunomodulation: postbiotics can influence the function of immune cells inside and outside the intestine, modulating inflammatory responses and strengthening the defence against pathogens.

. Anti-inflammatory action: postbiotics can alleviate inflammation in the gut and throughout the body, which is important for the prevention of chronic diseases.

. Metabolic effects: SCFAs affect the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and energy, which may be helpful for weight management and glucose metabolism.

. Contribution to brain health: research shows a link between the gut microbiome and brain health (the gut-brain axis), and postbiotics could have an important role in this complex relationship.

Potential health benefits of postbiotics: what do the studies say? (8)

Although research on postbiotics is still ongoing, the first results point to possible benefits for several conditions:

. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): postbiotics, especially SCFAs, can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in persons with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):postbiotics can relieve symptoms such as flatulence, abdominal pain, and problems with bowel movements.

. Diarrhoea: postbiotics can reduce the duration of diarrhoea, including that caused by the use of antibiotics.

. Allergies: some studies suggest that postbiotics may reduce the intensity of allergy symptoms such as eczema.

. Obesity and metabolic syndrome: postbiotics can have a positive effect on metabolism and weight management.

. Neurological diseases: research is currently underway to determine the role of postbiotics in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusion

Research on postbiotics is an important step in understanding the complex field of the intestinal microbiome and its impact on health. Although research is still ongoing, postbiotics hold promise for the prevention and treatment of a wide range of diseases, as well as for improving overall health and well-being.

In short, they are valuable allies in maintaining digestive health.

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