What is difference between probiotic and prebiotic
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Understanding the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics
Introduction to Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics are two distinct types of dietary components that play crucial roles in maintaining gut health and overall well-being. While they are often mentioned together, they serve different functions and have unique characteristics.
What Are Probiotics?
Definition and Sources of Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. These beneficial bacteria are commonly found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and certain cheeses, as well as in dietary supplements3 7. The most frequently used probiotic strains belong to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera2 7.
Health Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics are known to influence the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) by enhancing the gut microbiota, which can help in the prevention and treatment of various conditions. They have been shown to alleviate lactose intolerance, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections such as rotavirus-induced diarrhea3 8. Additionally, probiotics may play a role in reducing the risk of colon cancer and managing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)9 10.
What Are Prebiotics?
Definition and Sources of Prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon. They are primarily composed of carbohydrates such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin, which are found in foods like onions, garlic, bananas, and leeks1 6 8.
Health Benefits of Prebiotics
Prebiotics serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting their growth and activity. This can lead to various health benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced immune function, and better absorption of minerals like calcium1 6. Prebiotics have also been associated with the relief of constipation, suppression of diarrhea, and potential reduction in the risks of conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes3 9.
Key Differences Between Probiotics and Prebiotics
Mechanism of Action
The primary difference between probiotics and prebiotics lies in their mechanism of action. Probiotics are live microorganisms that directly add to the population of healthy microbes in the gut. In contrast, prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the existing beneficial bacteria, helping them to thrive and multiply4 7.
Stability and Administration
Probiotics are sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature and pH, which can affect their viability. They need to be consumed in adequate amounts to ensure they reach the gut alive. On the other hand, prebiotics are relatively stable and can withstand the digestive process, reaching the colon unchanged where they exert their beneficial effects8.
Health Applications
While both probiotics and prebiotics contribute to gut health, their applications can differ. Probiotics are often used to treat specific gastrointestinal disorders and boost the immune system, whereas prebiotics are more focused on enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria and improving overall gut health2 3 6.
Conclusion
In summary, probiotics and prebiotics are complementary but distinct components that support gut health. Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that directly enhance the gut microbiota, while prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed and promote the growth of these beneficial bacteria. Understanding the differences between them can help in making informed dietary choices to improve overall health and well-being.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications
Prebiotics, a group of nutrients that feed gut microbiota, have potential health benefits and are safe and easy to produce, making them a promising alternative to probiotics for promoting human well-being.
Highly CitedProbiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics both influence gut health and well-being, with potential for improved health benefits through their integration into food and their ability to stimulate beneficial microorganisms.
Prebiotics and probiotics: are they functional foods?
Probiotics and prebiotics, when combined, may provide health benefits and reduce disease risks, but further research is needed.
Highly CitedThe impact of probiotics and prebiotics on the immune system
Probiotics and prebiotics may modulate immune function and influence inflammatory diseases, but their future application as disease therapy remains uncertain.
Highly CitedProbiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics--approaching a definition.
Probiotics are viable microorganisms that can affect various sites and routes of administration, regardless of the site or route of administration.
Highly CitedProbiotics and prebiotics: A brief overview.
Probiotics and prebiotics both improve gut health by preventing and treating specific diseases, and both can be found in various foods.
Highly CitedProbiotics and prebiotics associated with aquaculture: A review.
Probiotics and prebiotics enhance the immune system in aquatic animals, providing health benefits and promoting immune modulation.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedProbiotics and Prebiotics in Pediatrics
Probiotics show modest effectiveness in treating viral gastroenteritis and preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in healthy children, but their effectiveness in treating or preventing human cancers and Crohn disease remains inconclusive.
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