In the last decade, probiotics have emerged as key players in promoting the health of our digestive system. Almost all of us have been prescribed probiotics at some time after acute gastroenteritis, or when we have been prescribed an antibiotic in order to help our body restore our intestinal flora.
The connection between the gut microbiota and the skin has led to the exploration of dermatological applications of probiotics. Research suggests that these beneficial microorganisms can improve dermatological conditions such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and even reduce the recurrence of cold sores. Probiotics, through their positive influence on the immune and anti-inflammatory response, offer an exciting prospect for the development of innovative dermatological therapies.
Once we became accustomed to the word probiotics, the term prebiotic began to be introduced, which would become the «food» for our bacteria and their effects on health.
Recently, new research has emerged on postbiotics or also known as non-viable probiotics, paraprobiotics or heat-inactivated probiotics, which, although inactivated probiotics no longer contain viable microorganisms, may still contain bioactive components that could have health benefits. In short, this new concept refers to the existence of inactivated micro-organisms where they and/or their components confer health-promoting properties.
To make it a little more practical, the following describes what a pre-, pro- and postbiotic is, and where they can be found:
Prebiotic: is a non-digestible substance that serves as food for beneficial micro-organisms, especially bacteria, residing in the gastrointestinal tract. It stimulates the growth and activity of healthy bacteria in the gut.
Examples: Dietary fibers present in foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
Probiotic: A live microorganism, such as bacteria or yeast, that when consumed in adequate amounts contributes to the balance of the gut microbiome, improves digestion, boosts the immune system and may have other positive health effects.
Examples: Bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, present in fermented foods such as yoghurt, sauerkraut and kefir.
Postbiotics are bioactive compounds that result from the metabolic activities of probiotics or may be by-products of inactive microorganisms. They contribute to the maintenance of a healthy gut environment and may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and other beneficial properties.
Examples are organic acids, peptides and other metabolites resulting from the fermentation of probiotics, or bioactive compounds derived from inactive microorganisms.
In summary, prebiotics are non-digestible substances that feed beneficial micro-organisms, probiotics are beneficial live micro-organisms themselves, and postbiotics are beneficial compounds resulting from the activity of probiotics or inactive micro-organisms.
