Postbiotics are metabolites of probiotic bacteria. After eating, the food in our intestines undergoes fermentation processes involving probiotic bacteria. Postbiotics are the product of these reactions. They have a positive effect on the entire body similar to that of probiotics. They improve immunity, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and can have a positive effect on well-being.

Postbiotics , along with prebiotics and probiotics, are one of the three pillars of a he althy gut microbiome. So, prebiotics are nutrients for the gut bacteria. Most often it is a form of fiber, oligosaccharides contained in human milk, lactulose and inulin derivatives, which are not digested in the stomach and enter the intestines to nourish the accumulating bacteria.

The prebiotic itself does not contain bacteria, unlike a probiotic. Probiotics are already selected lactic acid bacteria,Lactobacillus ,BifidobacteriumandStreptococcus , as well as yeasts from the familySaccharomyces , showing a positive effect on the digestive system by modulating the intestinal bacterial flora, thanks to the substances they produce. These substances are called postbiotics.

Postbioticshave the ability to positively interact with the gut by affecting its balance, an effect similar to the use of probiotics.

Postbiotics - types

The most common types of postbiotics areshort-chain fatty acids, enzymes, teichoic acids and vitamins . They are produced by inactivating probiotic strains using heat, ultraviolet, chemicals, gamma radiation and sonic waves. However, the method of using heat is most often used.

How do postbiotics work on the body?

They influence homeostasis, i.e. the balance of the intestinal microflora by rebuilding it after antibiotic therapies, poorly balanceddiet low in prebioticsand after stressful situations, with an emphasis on chronic stress. Regaining the intestinal balance has a positive effect on the entire body in its various areas.

How are postbiotics different from probiotics?

Postbiotics no longer exhibit bacterial activityprobiotics. For this reason, they are much more stable and definitely more predictable. In early 2022, due to the growing popularity of probiotics, the Supreme Audit Office conducted a study in which it turned out that in four samples out of six, the content of supplements was inconsistent with the declaration on the package, and one sample was contaminated with fecal bacteria.

It is especially important in the case of infants, in which the intake of foreign bacteria may be risky due to the still undeveloped immune system, and in seriously ill people, such as in the case of cancer or in people after transplantation, where the immunity is specially lowered for the body to adapt to new tissue.

Why are postbiotics gaining in importance?

Postbiotics unlike probioticsare not alive . This means that they can be stored under normal conditions without fear of losing their properties. Let me remind you that probiotics are living organisms, so they should preferably be kept in the refrigerator for a fairly short period of time.

Experts at the National Medicines Institute found that nearly 90 percent of available probiotic supplements contained dead bacteria, or most of them died by the expiry date. There is no such problem with postbiotics. They can be stored longer and evenenrich food with them , without fear of losing their properties.

What are postbiotics used for?

Postbiotics have so far been studied in small groups. However, they show surprising properties that improve the condition of patients with diseases such as:

  • digestive system diseases
  • inflammation of the upper respiratory tract
  • injuries of the eye cornea, including eye strain
  • asthma
  • ulcerative colitis and related bowel cancer
  • improve glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes
  • liver disease
  • atopic dermatitis
  • flu virus
  • heart injuries

Postbiotics - how do they work?

  • Obesity prevention effect

Studies have shown that short chain fatty acids (SCFA) provided with postbiotics have an appetite suppressant effect. They are also used to reduce hepatic lipidogenesis, which can lead to non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis. In addition, SCFA contribute to the inactivation of genes responsible for glycogenesis, and, as a result, to the reduction of body weight and adipose tissue. On the other hand, vanillic acid is formed as a result of metabolismanthocyanin from food contributes to increasing the thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue and, as a result, faster metabolism. Similar properties are shown by postbiotics resulting from the metabolism of linolenic acid.

  • Immunomodulatory effect

Some elements of postbiotics have anti-inflammatory effects by influencingthe production of anti-inflammatory cytokines , and limiting the amount of those with pro-inflammatory properties. This directly improves the body's immunity, which is better able to cope with diseases and infections.

  • Anti-cancer effect

Anti-inflammatory properties are inextricably linked with anti-cancer activity. In this case, studies show a positive correlation in the case of intestinal cancer by epigenetic inactivation of some genes responsible for cancer development.

  • Immune Immune Effect

Some postbiotics have an antibacterial effect by sealing the intestinal barrier and competitive binding of receptors required by pathogenic bacteria, positively affecting gene expression and also positively affecting the local intestinal environment of the host. They work preventively against diarrhea caused by rota virus. In addition, studies have shown the effect of reducing the incidence of acute gastroenteritis, pharyngitis, laryngitis and tracheitis in children aged 1-4 years.

  • Antiatherosclerotic effect

By affecting fat metabolism, they may contribute to the reduction of cardiovascular incidents. SCFAs have statin-like effects by limiting endogenous cholesterol production. The anti-inflammatory effect limiting the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in the macrophages of the blood vessel walls is not without significance here. In addition, postbiotics affect the production of hormones that reduce body fat and lower the level of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, positively affecting the level of HDL fraction.

  • Self-cleaning effect of the organism

Autophagy is responsible for removing damaged and unnecessary elements of cell organelles and proteins. Due to their properties, postbiotics can contribute to more efficient cell signaling and, as a result, more efficient self-cleaning of the body's cells. A positive effect of postbiotics has been observed in the case of drug-induced liver damage. In other studies, the effect of myopathy, i.e. the specific autophagy of damaged mitochondria, resulted in better muscle condition in peopleolder people.

  • Effect of accelerated wound healing

Postbiotics show an effect on the neurohormone, which is oxytocin. Among other things, it is responsible for uterine contractions during childbirth, influences behavior and creates social bonds. In addition, this hormone is responsible for faster wound healing. The use of certain types of postbiotics resulted in an increased level of oxytocin in the blood, which translated into faster regeneration and wound healing in humans and animals.

Postbiotics - safety of use

Postbiotics do not appear to cause serious side effects, while retaining similar effectiveness to probiotics. However, it is a product that has been attracting the attention of scientists recently. So we are waiting for more extensive research gathering more participants to fully confirm the effectiveness and safety of these natural substances.

Category:

He alth