Prebiotics vs Probiotics vs Synbiotics: What's the Difference
Share
You've likely heard the terms prebiotics and probiotics — but what about synbiotics? And what's the actual difference between all three? Understanding how each one works can help you make smarter choices for your gut health.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria and yeasts that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit to the host. They help replenish and maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in your gut microbiome. Common probiotic strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Probiotics are found naturally in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha — and are also available as supplements.
Check out probiotics in supplement form:
Biocidin Botanicals4R (this supplement is great for SIBO)
Thorne Floramend Prime Probiotic
Our whole probiotic catalog can be found here
What Are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers and compounds that serve as food for the beneficial bacteria already living in your gut. Think of them as fertilizer for your microbiome — they help the good bacteria grow and thrive.
Common prebiotic sources include garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats, and chicory root.
Check out Prebiotics in supplement form:
Pure Encapsulations Poly-Prebiotic Powder
OrthoMolecular Products Phytopre
What Are Synbiotics?
Synbiotics are products that combine both prebiotics and probiotics together in one formula. The idea is that the prebiotic component feeds and enhances the survival of the probiotic strains, making the combination more effective than either alone.
Check out some synbiotics here:
Which One Is Right for You?
The correct answer is all of them, through the ingestion of a diverse, whole food diet. A healthy, whole food diet should always come first. However, sometimes one needs a little extra help. The right choice depends on your individual health needs:
- If your gut flora is depleted (e.g., after antibiotics), a probiotic may help replenish beneficial bacteria
- If your gut bacteria are generally healthy but need support, a prebiotic can help nourish them
- If you want comprehensive gut support, a synbiotic offers both in one convenient formula
Final Thoughts
Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics each play a unique and valuable role in supporting gut health, as well as other health conditions. Additional benefits will be discussed in a future article. However, whether you choose one or all three, investing in your microbiome is one of the most significant things you can do for your overall wellness.
It is important to reach out to your family doctor before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have a digestive condition. If you have questions about which gut health supplements are right for you, feel free to reach out through our contact us page.
*Contents in this article are not to replace recommendations from your physician. It is recommended that one consults with their doctor before starting any new supplements. Supplements linked in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
Yadav M, Sehrawat N, Sharma AK, Kumar S, Singh R, Kumar A, Kumar A. Synbiotics as potent functional food: recent updates on therapeutic potential and mechanistic insight. J Food Sci Technol. 2024 Jan;61(1):1-15. doi: 10.1007/s13197-022-05621-y. Epub 2022 Nov 14. PMID: 38192708; PMCID: PMC10771572.
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/synbiotics-what-to-know
https://www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/synbiotics-more-than-simply-a-probiotic-prebiotic-combination/