Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds produced when probiotics break down fibers and nutrients in your gut. These bioactive substances, unlike their well-known counterparts probiotics and prebiotics, are not live bacteria but rather the valuable byproducts of microbial activity. As our understanding of nutrition and gut health advances, postbiotics have emerged as a promising area of focus, revealing their potential role in digestive wellness.

The History of Postbiotics

The concept of using microbes for better health isn't new. The history of probiotics can be traced back to the early 20th century when Nobel Prize-winning scientist Élie Metchnikoff proposed that consuming fermented foods could promote longevity by supporting gut health. However, the focus remained largely on the live bacteria themselves.

It wasn't until recent years that scientists began to pay closer attention to what these live bacteria actually produce once they thrive in our digestive systems. These byproducts, now known as postbiotics, are essentially the "waste" products of probiotics. The beneficial compounds left behind by probiotics have unique properties that researchers believe could play a potential role in gut health and overall nutrition.*

What Are Postbiotics and How Are They Used?

Postbiotics are not live bacteria like probiotics. Instead, they consist of bioactive compounds such as enzymes, peptides, short-chain fatty acids, and cell wall fragments that are produced when probiotics feed on prebiotics (fibers and other nutrients). Think of postbiotics as the "finished product" that your gut uses to communicate with the rest of your body. Since they are not live microorganisms, postbiotics supplements might be more stable and could have a longer shelf life than probiotics. This stability makes them easier to incorporate into various food products, beverages, and supplements without worrying about refrigeration. You may also want to read about Bifidobacterium infantis. 

Interesting Facts About Postbiotics

1. More Stable Than Probiotics: One of the biggest advantages of postbiotics is their stability. Unlike probiotics, which require specific storage conditions and can lose their effectiveness over time, postbiotics can remain stable in varying temperatures.

2. Derived from Fermented Foods: Postbiotics are often present in the same foods where you’d find probiotics, like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir. Fermentation processes naturally produce these beneficial compounds, which are then absorbed by your body when you consume these foods.

3. The Science of Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs): A key component of postbiotics is short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, acetate, and propionate. These molecules are produced when probiotics break down dietary fibers.

4. Communication Link in the Gut-Brain Axis: Postbiotics may be involved in the complex communication network between your gut and brain, often called the "gut-brain axis." While research is still in its early stages, these bioactive compounds are believed to help transmit signals that could influence your mood, digestion, and even your immune responses.*

Postbiotics represent an exciting shift in our understanding of gut health and nutrition. While probiotics and prebiotics have long been celebrated for their potential roles in supporting digestive wellness, a spotlight now exist on postbiotics — the beneficial compounds they leave behind. With their stable nature and potential nutritional applications, postbiotics are becoming a valuable addition to the world of dietary supplements and functional foods.

By embracing the power of postbiotics, we open new doors to a deeper understanding of how our digestive systems can influence overall well-being, one bioactive compound at a time.

As always, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Get professional advice if you think you might need any postbiotic supplement or are already taking one to ensure you're not exceeding the amounts you may need.