What is the difference between Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Prebiotics serve as food for probiotics, so probiotics need access to prebiotics to work effectively.

Prebiotics and probiotics both support the body in building and maintaining a healthy colony of bacteria and other microorganisms, which supports the gut and aids digestion.

These food components help promote beneficial bacteria by providing food and creating an environment where microorganisms can flourish.

Prebiotics are present in fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Probiotics occur in many fermented foods, including yogurt, sauerkraut, and tempeh.

Benefits and side effects of probiotics

Probiotics can support digestive health.

The good bacteria in digestive tract help protect you from harmful bacteria and fungi.

They also send signals to your immune system and help regulate inflammation

Additionally, some of your gut bacteria form vitamin K and short-chain fatty acids.

Short-chain fatty acids are the main nutrient source of the cells lining the colon. They promote a strong gut barrier that helps keep out harmful substances, viruses and bacteria. This also reduces inflammation, and may reduce the risk of cancer

Research on the effects of probiotics is inconclusive, but it suggests that they may be beneficial in the following areas:

Digestive health

Numerous studies have found that probiotics may improve digestive health in some people.

A 2017 Cochrane review found that taking probiotics while using antibiotics reduced the risk of antibiotic-related diarrhea by 60 percent.

A 2014 analysis of 24 trials found that probiotics could help prevent the life-threatening disease necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.

Mental health

A smaller body of research suggests that probiotics may improve mental health.

A 2017 review found that probiotics may alleviate the symptoms of depression, but the authors note that additional studies are necessary to confirm this.

Gastrointestinal health

The results of studies generally suggest that people with disorders affecting the stomach and intestines may see improvements with probiotics.

For example, a systematic review of trials in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) found that probiotics seem to improve the symptoms of this condition. However, the authors caution that it is unclear how significant the benefit may be or which strain of probiotic is most effective.

General health

The authors of a 2017 review of 17 Cochrane reviews considered the evidence supporting the potential benefits of probiotics.

They found that probiotics may decrease:

• the need for antibiotics
• stronger immunity and less colds
• the incidence of ventilator-assisted pneumonia
• gestational diabetes
• vaginal infections, such as yeast infections
• eczema

However, the review did not find high-quality evidence that probiotics can prevent illness, and the authors conclude that more trials are necessary.

Side effects

People with weakened immune systems were also more vulnerable to side effects.

Any patients with serious medical conditions should speak with a doctor before significantly increasing their intake of probiotics.

Benefits and side effects of prebiotics

Prebiotics are a component of some foods that the body cannot digest. They serve as food for bacteria and other beneficial organisms in the gut.

The benefits of prebiotics have links to the benefits of probiotics. Prebiotics may support a healthy gut, offering better digestive health, fewer antibiotic-related health problems, and other benefits.

As a result, the extent to which prebiotics improve health is unclear. Scientists are not yet entirely sure that they can strengthen the purported benefits of probiotics.

Some research suggests that prebiotics may benefit the body by:

• improving calcium absorption
• changing how quickly the body can process carbohydrates
• supporting the probiotic growth of gut bacteria, potentially enhancing digestion and metabolism

Prebiotics come naturally in many foods

Source:
Villines, Z. (2018, October 29). "What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?." Medical News Today. Retrieved from
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323490.php.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-and-prebiotics