FAQ

Probiotics support health by promoting a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for health. Few examples of their roles are restoring balance after antibiotic use for example, competing with harmful microbes,  producing helpful substances like short-chain fatty acids and vitamins (like B12 or K).

Different strains have different effects, so not all probiotics work the same way

Probiotics come in various strains, each offering unique health benefits. The most common probiotic strains belong to a few main species, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus, …. the most widely studied strains:

• Lactobacillus. Lactobacillus species are among the most common probiotics and are often found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. They are known for supporting gut health and immune function (the most well-known being Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri).
• Bifidobacterium. Bifidobacterium strains are some of the most beneficial probiotics in terms of promoting gut health, reducing inflammation, and supporting immune health (the most well-known being Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, ifidobacterium animalis).

The difference between probiotics and prebiotics lies mainly in what they do for your gut health and how they function in the digestive system.

Probiotics are Live Microorganisms.

The most recent definition of probiotics has been established by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP).

“Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”

Probiotics add healthy microorganisms to your gut. They help populate your digestive system with beneficial bacteria, which can support digestion, strengthen your immune system, and improve your overall gut health.

Examples of probiotics:

• Lactobacillus species (e.g., Lactobacillus acidophilus)
• Bifidobacterium species (e.g., Bifidobacterium longum)

The major sources of probiotics are fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, and pickles and probiotic supplements (capsules, tablets, powders, etc.).

Prebiotics are Food for Probiotics

The current scientific definition of a prebiotic   was developed by a panel of experts in microbiology, nutrition, and clinical research convened by ISAPP in 2016.

Prebiotics are a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit”.

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers and compounds found in certain foods that promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Prebiotics act as food for your good gut bacteria, helping them thrive and multiply. They are not digested by your body but are fermented by bacteria in your colon. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids, which nourish the cells of the gut lining and contribute to overall gut health.

Examples of prebiotics:

• Inulin (found in chicory root, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, and bananas)
• Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) (found in foods like onions, garlic, and artichokes)
• Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) (found in beans, lentils, peas, and some dairy products)

The major sources of preiotics are high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes and prebiotic supplements.

The difference between probiotics and postbiotics revolves around their state in the gut and their roles in maintaining gut health.

Probiotics are Live Microorganisms.

The most recent definition of probiotics has been established by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP).

“Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”

Probiotics add healthy microorganisms to your gut. They help populate your digestive system with beneficial bacteria, which can support digestion, strengthen your immune system, and improve your overall gut health.

Examples of probiotics:

• Lactobacillus species (e.g., Lactobacillus acidophilus)
• Bifidobacterium species (e.g., Bifidobacterium longum)

The major sources of probiotics are fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, and pickles and probiotic supplements (capsules, tablets, powders, etc.).

Postbiotics are Byproducts of Probiotics

The most recent definition of postbiotics has been established by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) in 2021.

Postbiotics are preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host

Postbiotics are the metabolic byproducts or end-products produced by probiotics after they’ve consumed food or other substances in your gut. These include substances like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), enzymes, peptides, and bacteriocins.

Postbiotics are not live organisms, but they are biologically active compounds that have beneficial effects on the body. They are the result of probiotics’ activity and are already processed when consumed.

Examples of postbiotics:

• Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, acetate, and propionate (important for gut health and anti-inflammatory properties)
• Bacteriocins (antibacterial proteins that help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria)
• Peptides (molecules with antimicrobial properties)

Postbiotics are produced naturally in the gut after probiotics ferment dietary fibers and they can also be found in certain postbiotic supplements that contain these beneficial byproducts directly.

Probiotics are live microorganisms—usually bacteria or yeasts—that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria, probiotics help maintain a healthy balance in your gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. Common probiotic strains belong to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, as well as Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial yeast.

Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso, or in dietary supplements available in capsules, powders, or drinks.

Yes, probiotics are generally good for health, especially when taken correctly and in the right amounts. They can provide a range of health benefits, particularly related to gut health, immune function, and even mental health.

Yes, probiotics are excellent for gut health! They are one of the most well-known and widely used supplements to help maintain and restore the balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome, which plays a key role in overall health. Probiotics, which are live beneficial bacteria, can help optimize this microbiome, promoting a healthier gut and a range of positive effects for your body.

A balanced microbiome is crucial for proper digestion and overall health. An imbalance in gut bacteria—often caused by factors like poor diet, or stress—can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea and constipation.  Probiotics help replenish beneficial bacteria and restore a healthy microbial balance, especially after disruptions like antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics, while effective in fighting infections, also kill off beneficial bacteria, which can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast.

Our PROLACTYS® Adult Gut Support formulation can help you to understand the benefits of probiotics in gut health.

Yes, probiotics are good for immune health and can have a positive impact on the body’s ability to fight infections and maintain overall immune function.

The Gut – Immunity – Connexion is an important pathway for our health.  A significant portion of the immune system (about 70%) resides in the gut, in the form of lymphoid tissue called gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). A healthy and balanced gut microbiome is crucial for immune system function.

Probiotics help maintain or restore the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut, which supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms. A balanced microbiome strengthens the immune response, ensuring that harmful pathogens are effectively recognized and dealt with by the immune system.

Our PROLACTYS® Adult Defensis formulation can help you to understand the benefits of probiotics in immune health.

Yes, probiotics can be beneficial for mental health and mood, thanks to the growing body of research linking the gut and brain through what is called the gut-brain axis. This is a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain, where signals from the gut can influence brain function, mood, and mental health, and vice versa.

The gut houses trillions of bacteria, and the composition of this gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating brain function and mood. The gut produces a variety of signaling molecules, including neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which have a direct impact on mood and anxiety levels.

Certain probiotic strains may help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which in turn can support the production and regulation of these neurotransmitters. Since GABA is often called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, maintaining its balance can improve mood, reduce stress, and help alleviate depression and anxiety.

Our PROLACTYS® Adult Mood Support formulation can help you to understand the benefits of probiotics in mental health.

Yes, probiotics can be good for oral health! Just like they support gut health and immune function, probiotics can also play a role in maintaining a healthy mouth by balancing the oral microbiome. The oral microbiome is the community of bacteria that live in our mouth, and keeping it balanced is crucial for preventing dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

A healthy oral microbiome is important for preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease) are often caused by an imbalance of oral bacteria. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, can help keep harmful bacteria in check while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the mouth.

Our PROLACTYS® Adult Oral Hygiene formulation can help you to understand the benefits of probiotics in oral health.

Yes, probiotics are good for vaginal health and can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiome. The vaginal microbiome is dominated by lactic acid bacteria (mainly Lactobacillus species), which play a crucial role in preventing infections, regulating pH, and supporting overall vaginal health.

The vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by Lactobacillus bacteria, which produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide to create an acidic environment. This helps to prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast (like Candida).  Probiotics can help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria (such as Lactobacillus species) when disrupted, for example, after antibiotic use, menstruation, or sexual activity. This can help prevent infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

Our PROLACTYS® Feminine Care formulation can help you to understand the benefits of probiotics in feminine health.

Yes, probiotics are commonly recommended for managing Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD) in children, and they can be very effective in both preventing and reducing the severity of this condition. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs when antibiotics disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, leading to gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. Probiotics help restore this balance and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

Antibiotics kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, including Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a bacterium that often causes diarrhea. Probiotics help replenish beneficial bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, which can re-establish a healthy microbial balance and prevent the harmful bacteria from taking over.

Probiotics have been shown to reduce the incidence and duration of diarrhea associated with antibiotic use. They help by preventing an imbalance in gut bacteria, which is the underlying cause of the diarrhea. In fact, some studies have demonstrated that specific probiotics can reduce the frequency of AAD by almost 50%.

Our PROLACTYS® Kids AAD Prevention formulation can help you to understand the benefits of probiotics in AAD in kids.