Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in health and disease Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This review explores the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in health and disease. It discusses how these substances interact with the gut microbiota to maintain health, prevent disease, and treat various conditions. The review highlights the current understanding of their mechanisms of action, effectiveness in clinical settings, and their potential as alternatives or complementary therapies in disease management.
Who was reviewed?
The review assesses a wide array of clinical studies and animal model trials that have explored the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics. It examines their roles in modulating the gut microbiota and their impact on diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), metabolic syndrome, and even neurological disorders. These studies involve various strains of probiotics, different types of prebiotics, and the active postbiotics they produce.
What were the most important findings?
The key finding is the therapeutic potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in managing gut microbiota-related diseases. Probiotics have been shown to restore balance in the gut microbiota, modulate the immune system, and produce beneficial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Prebiotics serve as food for beneficial microbes, promoting their growth and activity, while postbiotics, which are produced by probiotics, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating effects. These substances have shown promise in treating gastrointestinal disorders like IBS and IBD, metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes, and even neuropsychiatric disorders via the gut-brain axis. However, challenges such as the strain specificity of probiotics, regulatory concerns, and the need for more rigorous clinical trials remain.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The implications of this review are significant for both clinical practice and future research. The findings underscore the potential for probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics to be integrated into therapeutic strategies for a variety of diseases, especially those associated with gut dysbiosis. The review highlights the need for more standardized research, better quality control, and personalized approaches to maximize their effectiveness. It also emphasizes the importance of overcoming regulatory hurdles to enable broader clinical applications of these substances as legitimate treatments, rather than just dietary supplements. This shift could revolutionize approaches to disease prevention and management, especially for conditions where traditional medicines fall short.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that selectively promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, offering a range of health benefits from improved digestion and immune function to enhanced metabolic health. Prebiotics are an essential part of a healthy diet that supports both gut and overall well-being.
Postbiotics
Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced by probiotic bacteria during fermentation, offering health benefits without containing live microorganisms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Recent research has focused on the gut microbiota's role in IBS, aiming to identify specific microbial signatures associated with the condition.