You’ve probably heard of prebiotics and probiotics—two key components of the digestive system. Postbiotics, on the other hand, don’t get nearly the same level of attention when it comes to gut health support: Many people haven’t even heard of postbiotics, much less considered incorporating them into their routines.*

In light of recent research suggesting that postbiotics are actually just as important as probiotics and prebiotics when it comes to supporting our gut bacteria, we knew we had to combine prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics into Synbiotic+, our game-changing gut health supplement. Here’s what you need to know about postbiotics.* (1)

What Are Postbiotics?

Postbiotics can be defined as bioactive compounds produced by food-grade microorganisms during a fermentation process—specifically, when the “good bacteria” in our gut digests and breaks down portions of dietary fiber and prebiotics, which are typically found in complex plant carbohydrates. A natural byproduct of this process is the production of short chain fatty acids (more in a sec). And just like probiotics, postbiotics work behind-the-scenes to support our gut health.* (1,2,3) However, unlike postbiotics, they are inanimate microorganisms.

It can be tough to keep all the biotics straight, so here’s a quick refresher on definitions:

• Prebiotics: Prebiotics can be defined as nondigestible food components that support the growth of probiotics and the beneficial bacteria that exist inside the gastrointestinal tract.* (5)

• Probiotics: Probiotics are defined by the World Health Organization as live bacteria that may provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These microorganisms can be found in foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha) and probiotic supplements.* (4,5)

• Postbiotics: Postbiotics help support our gut barrier health and function by providing a major energy source to the cells that make up the lining of the gut.* (1,2,3)

Benefits of Postbiotics

Postbiotics provide fuel to the cells that make up the gut lining and support our gut barrier function. Remember that fermentation process we were talking about earlier? Let’s take a closer look at what’s actually going on.*

“Beneficial bacteria—including both ingested probiotics and the 'good bacteria' that already exist in the gut—selectively ferment certain things, like prebiotics and some types of fiber,” explains Arianne Vance, MPH, Ritual’s Principal Scientist. “One consequence of this fermentation is the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), like butyrate, acetate, and propionate.” (2)

Butyrate is the main callout here: Studies show it’s the primary energy source for the cells that line the colon. That’s why we recommend opting for a postbiotic supplement made with tributyrin, a source of butyrate.* (1,2)

How to Support Postbiotic Production

There are ways to support the postbiotic concentration in the gut. Since postbiotics are one of the end results of the aforementioned fermentation process, an option is to increase consumption of foods that provide fiber and prebiotics. This may naturally increase the production of postbiotics in the colon.*

A few prebiotic foods include leeks, jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, onions, wheat, garlic, chicory, oats, and soybeans. (6) Making sure you’re getting enough foods that encourage a mix of healthy gut bacteria (fiber and prebiotic foods) may help support your overall digestive health. (7)

What to Look For in a Postbiotic Supplement

Getting prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics has never been easier with Synbiotic+. By choosing to add a postbiotic supplement to your routine, you can circumvent the inevitable hurdles of modern life—picky partners, busy schedules, even limited access to certain foods—and ensure you’re consistently supporting gut health, no matter what your diet or lifestyle looks like. Just make sure you pick one that includes a clinically-studied postbiotic. BTW: Tributyrin has been clinically studied at the dose of 300mg, the same amount included in Synbiotic+. Considering postbiotics aren’t as widely available as prebiotics or probiotics, vetting the market to ensure you’re getting a high-quality formula is that much more crucial.

ICYMI: Each batch of Synbiotic+ is tested for identity, purity, and composition, so we can be sure that what’s on the label is what’s in the capsules. Synbiotic+ also has a shelf life of around 1 year (you can find the date of expiration on the bottom of the bottle.) We also complete third-party testing to ensure our products are compliant with regulations and guidelines for heavy metals, microbes, and major allergens and to help assure the quality and safety of our products.*

References:

1. Wegh CAM, Geerlings SY, Knol J, Roeselers G, Belzer C. Postbiotics and Their Potential Applications in Early Life Nutrition and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Sep 20;20(19):4673.

2. Campos-Perez W, Martinez-Lopez E. Effects of short chain fatty acids on metabolic …. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids. 2021 Feb 9;1866(5):158900.

3. Robles Alonso V, Guarner F. Linking the gut microbiota to human health. Br J Nutr. 2013 Jan;109 Suppl 2:S21-6.

4. World Health Organization. Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Working Group on Drafting Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food. 2002.

5. Gibson GR, Roberfroid MB. Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics. J Nutr. 1995 Jun;125(6):1401-12.

6. Carlson, J. L., Erickson, J. M., Lloyd, B. B., & Slavin, J. L. (2018). ...and Sources of Prebiotic Dietary Fiber. Current developments in nutrition, 2(3), nzy005.

7. MD, Toni Golen, and Hope Ricciotti MD. “What Are Postbiotics?” Harvard Health, 1 Nov. 2021.