What Are Postbiotics? Discover the Benefits

by Melissa Chichester

Have you ever heard of postbiotics? If not, you’re not alone.

Postbiotics are much less widely known than probiotics and prebiotics. 

However, postbiotics play an important role in our gut health and well-being.

What are postbiotics? 

To truly understand postbiotics, it’s important to know how probiotics work. Probiotics are living microorganisms, also known as beneficial bacteria, that work in harmony with our bodies to support various functions such as digestive health and overall wellness.* 

Postbiotics are the components derived from microorganisms that are no longer alive due to heat inactivation or other processes.  Depending on the postbiotic, various bioactive compounds may be present such as organic acids,  peptides, polysaccharides, short-chain fatty acids produced during fermentation and many more.

The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) defines postbiotics as “inactivated microbial cells or cell components, with or without metabolites, that provide a health benefit.”

Here’s a simple way to understand the differences between pre-, pro-, and postbiotics:

  • Prebiotics are the “food” for probiotics that promote good bacteria growth.* Prebiotics typically consist of dietary fiber. 
  • Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can colonize in your gut.* Probiotics are often found in foods such as kefir, kombucha, and kimchi.
  • Postbiotics are cells or cell components from friendly bacteria that are no longer alive.  

>>What Are Prebiotics?

What do postbiotics do?

Postbiotics have multiple functions in the body depending on the friendly bacteria they were derived from and the cellular components and metabolites contained within the supplement. Many of the beneficial effects of postbiotics are still being uncovered through ongoing clinical trials. 

Some benefits that have been seen with various postbiotics include supporting digestive health and comfort, helping to maintain a healthy immune system, and even helping with occasional stress. 

Puritan’s Pride Postbiotic

A large percentage of the body’s immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract, so the immune system and digestive system are closely linked. These two crucial systems both play essential roles in maintaining overall health, so they can use all the assistance they can get. 

Puritan’s Pride Postbiotic supplement with Immuno-LP20® and GutGard® provides complimentary immune system and digestive health support.*

Immuno-LP20® is derived from friendly bacteria and meets the criteria set forth by ISAPP to be called a postbiotic. It helps maintain the immune system response to support immune health, especially when facing occasional stress.* 

The addition of GutGard® in this formula provides support for digestive health.* GutGard® is a specialized licorice extract that can help with occasional upset stomach, heartburn, and fullness.* Licorice has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine.* 

This formula can be added to your current prebiotic and probiotic supplement regimen or taken on its own for beneficial digestive and immune support.* For optimal benefits, take one capsule daily with a meal. Always discuss taking new supplements with your healthcare practitioner. 

Immuno-LP20® is a registered trademark of House Foods Group.

GutGard® is a registered trademark of Natural Remedies Private LTD. Exclusively distributed by AIDP in North America.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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