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Probiotics Online | Understand Postbiotics in One Article
Like probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics,postbioticsare becoming a powerful force for promoting health. However, unlike these related substances, the term postbiotics continues to cause considerable confusion.
01 Postbiotics, an evolving definition
Researchers studying probiotics have observed that certain substances produced by probiotics sometimes trigger the desired response, and they refer to these factors as postbiotics. This early understanding is continuing to evolve with further research into various components.
The current Wikipedia definition states, "Postbiotics—also known as metabolites, biogenics, or simply metabolites—are soluble factors (metabolic products or by-products) secreted by live bacteria or released upon bacterial lysis that confer physiological benefits to the host." This definition comes from a team in Mexico and was published in May 2018 in the journal Trends in Food Science & Technology.
In 2021, to clarify what postbiotics are, an expert panel from the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) proposed a new definition.
To this end, after extensive debate and reaching a consensus, they defined postbiotics as "non-viable microorganisms or their components that confer health benefits to the host."
The expert panel added that effective postbiotics must contain inactivated microbial cells or cell components, with or without metabolites, and health benefits can be observed.
It was emphasized that postbiotics do not have to come from probiotics; inactivated versions can also be accepted as postbiotics. Additionally, the expert panel stated that purified microbial metabolites and vaccines are not postbiotics.
It is worth noting that ISAPP's definition has not been universally accepted. A large group of scientists from around the world (including five authors of the aforementioned Mexican paper) do not fully agree with the ISAPP team's views on definitions, stability claims, effective efficacy labeling, and the use of the term 'non-viable.'
The ISAPP group stands by their arguments for the definition, stating that while the term probiotics may have been elaborated as much as possible, the named postbiotic components are not new, and research on how postbiotics benefit health is ongoing.
In ISAPP publications, the expert panel also discussed the existing evidence for the health-promoting effects of postbiotics, potential mechanisms of action, the level of evidence required to meet established definitions, and the standards for becoming a postbiotic, safety, and impact.
Potential advantages of postbiotics
Unlike probiotics, as live microorganisms are susceptible to oxygen and heat, postbiotics may be more stable, thus reducing transportation and storage difficulties, as well as costs.
Due to the lack of live microorganisms, postbiotics may make it easier for product developers to maintain ownership under intellectual property law.
Postbiotics may be found to be safer because they do not contain live microorganisms; however, safety cannot be assumed.
These proposed advantages are driving interest in postbiotics, especially in cases where probiotics are poorly tolerated (e.g., some immunocompromised individuals).
02 Postbiotics and health
By definition, postbiotics must also confer health benefits, such as:
· Regulation of the gut microbiota
·Enhancing epithelial barrier function
·Regulating systemic metabolic responses
·Transmitting systemic signals through the nervous system
·Some health indications
Summary
Today, despite disagreements over the proposed new definitions, researchers, practitioners, regulators, and consumers are seeking clarity on what postbiotics are.
As definitions evolve, the potential health benefits of using postbiotics are becoming increasingly apparent, especially in situations where the use of live microorganisms is not recommended.
Note: This article is intended as a popular science article and not as medical guidance.
Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, Chuangyuan Probiotics, Chuangyuan Biotechnology
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