The world of biotics

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The intestinal microbiota and its homeostasis are key to health. While increasing numbers of clinical studies and evidence confirm that probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics can prevent and treat various diseases, they can currently only be used as dietary supplements, rather than as medicines, which limits their medical use.

The human gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem made up of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbial organisms. This thriving and diverse microbiome has evolved alongside humans and is shaped by our physiology, diet, and lifestyle. The microbiota performs many functions in the gut, and its homeostasis is a vital aspect of health. Recent research has revealed that the homeostasis of the gut microbiota is crucial for regulating inflammatory processes, maintaining metabolic homeostasis, and the maturation and regulation of the immune system. However, disruptions in the homeostasis of the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, can lead to the development of many diseases. Examples include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, type 2 diabetes, as well as systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, some types of cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

“Biotics” is a general term that covers a variety of substances and microorganisms that have a positive effect on living organisms, in particular on human health. A healthy gut is key to overall health, and probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics are central players in maintaining the balance of the intestinal microflora. But while biotics are often referred to as a group, it is important to understand their differences and respective roles.

  • Antibiotics – substances that inhibit the growth of bacteria or destroy them. They are used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are differentiated by their spectrum of action (which types of bacteria they act on) and their mechanism of action (how they destroy the bacteria). It is important to stress that antibiotics are not used to treat viral infections.
  • Probiotics – live microorganisms (mostly bacteria) which have a positive effect on the health of the host when consumed in sufficient quantities. They are most frequently found in fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. They help maintain the balance of the intestinal microbiota, strengthen the immune system, and improve digestion.
  • Prebiotics – indigestible components of food that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria. These are mainly dietary fibre, found in fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain cereals. Prebiotics “feed” the probiotics, making them more effective.
  • Synbiotics – products that contain both probiotics and prebiotics, resulting in a synergistic effect.
  • Postbiotics – bioactive compounds produced by living microorganisms. These can be metabolites, cell particles, or structural components. Postbiotics are the by-products of the fermentation of probiotics and have positive effects on health. They do not contain living organisms. They can be enzymes, organic acids, bacteriocins, and vitamins.

In summary, probiotics are the beneficial living microbes, prebiotics are the food for these microbes, and postbiotics are the beneficial substances produced by the probiotics. Each of these groups has a specific role in the symbiotic relationship with the human host, making an important contribution to the overall homeostasis of the body.

What do we use them for?

  • Antibiotics: 
  • Treatment of bacterial infections.
  • Preventing infections during surgical procedures.
  • Probiotics – “living helpers”:
  • Improving digestion.
  • Strengthening the immune system.
  • Treatment and prevention of diarrhoea.
  • Supporting the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.
  • Prebiotics – “food for beneficial bacteria”
  • Improving intestinal health.
  • Promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
  • Improving the absorption of minerals.
  • Blood sugar levels regulation.
  • Postbiotics – “products of fermentation”:
  • Strengthening the immune system.
  • Reducing inflammatory processes.
  • Improving the integrity of the intestinal barrier.

Main differences

  • Probiotics are living microorganisms, prebiotics are the food for these microorganisms, and postbiotics are the products of their activity.
  • Probiotics directly affect the composition of the intestinal microflora, prebiotics affect it indirectly, while postbiotics act via their bioactive compounds.

Taken together, probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics are a powerful team for maintaining intestinal health. In order to achieve optimal health and maintain it, our diet must include a variety of foods rich in all these components.

Sources:

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