Medical article
Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics: what's the difference?
Trillions of bacteria live in our gut. When their balance is disturbed, symptoms such as bloating, constipation and diarrhea can appear. In such cases, probiotic or “symbiotic” products are often recommended. So what is the difference between them?
A simple explanation
- Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria.
- Prebiotics are the food for these bacteria: the fibers they need to live and multiply.
- Synbiotics are a combination of probiotics and prebiotics. (In everyday speech, the word “symbiotic” is also used.)
In Dr. Hasanova's analogy, a probiotic is a soldier, a prebiotic is the soldier's food, and a synbiotic is the soldier and the food together.
When are they used?
Probiotics are most often recommended after antibiotic treatment, in some forms of diarrhea, for bloating and discomfort, and sometimes for constipation. The effect depends on the specific strain of the bacterium. Not all probiotics have the same effect.
Keep in mind
- Not every probiotic is right for every person. The wrong choice can increase bloating and discomfort in some people.
- Patients with seriously weakened immunity should take probiotics only after consulting a doctor.
- Probiotics do not remove the cause of constipation or diarrhea. If the symptoms last a long time, an examination is needed.
- Yogurt, kefir and other fermented foods containing live cultures can be a useful part of a daily diet.