Many are confused what is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics. They are always surprised when they find out that they are completely different, but they complement each other very well.

1. By Probiotics Expert: Dr. Raga

2. Both prebiotics and probiotics play an integral part in
the body’s functioning particularly in the restoration
of the balance of the bacteria in the intestinal tract.
 Prebiotics are referred to as a dietary fibre or
carbohydrates that acts as the food of probiotics. This
is why it triggers bacterial growth and activity in the
intestinal microflora. Therefore, it promotes good
health of the host.
 Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which
are beneficial to its host. Throughout their journey in
the digestive tract, they need to be intact, so they can
reach the intestines where they act to give their
beneficial effects to the body.

3.  Generally, prebiotics have been said to
enable or trigger the increase the activity
and number of bifidobactria as well as
lactic acid bacteria (LAB).
 According to studies, the main importance
of bifidobacteria and the LAB is that they
cause several beneficial effects to their
host specifically the improvement of
digestive processes, enhancement of
mineral absorption, as well as promotion
of the effectiveness and intrinsic strength
of the immune system.
 Bifidogenic factor refers to a product
which stimulates bifidobacteria.
Prebiotics also act as a bifidogenic factor.

4.  Probiotics which literally mean “for life” is
known for its beneficial effects on the
digestion and immune health.
 The introduction of probiotics “good bacteria”
into the intestines promotes the restoration of
balance between the good and bad bacteria.
Thus, a balance in digestive flora eliminates
problems in the gastrointestinal system.
 It is also a known fact that 70% of the immune
system is located at the digestive tract. This
means that a healthy digestive tract would
mean a strong immune system.
 Probiotics do their work by surviving the
stomach acid and bile. Then, when they arrive
at the intestines, will takes their residence and
colonize. Then, they will release lactic acid to
kill off the bad bacteria.

5.  The popular traditional dietary sources of
prebiotics include raw oats, soy
beans, unrefined wheat, unrefined
barley, yacon, and inulin resources
(jicama, chicory root, and Jerusalem
artichoke).
 The oligosaccharides naturally contained in
breastmilk are also believed to be a prebiotic
source. This is very vital in the development
of the immune system in infants.
 Top 10 prebiotic-containing foods are raw
chicory root, raw Jerusalem artichoke, raw
dandelion greens, raw garlic, raw leek, raw
onion, cooked onion, raw asparagus, raw
wheat bran, whole wheat flour cooked, and
raw banana.

6.  Most common dietary sources of
probiotics are
yogurt, cheese, fermented
milk, kefir, miso, tempeh, sauerkrau
t, kimchi, ginger beer, and soy
beverages.
 There are some fruit and vegetable
juice products which are
incorporated with live active
microorganism cultures. This is
actually a good alternative or option
for those who are lactose intolerant.
 Other forms of probiotics come in
supplements (tablets, pills, or
capsules) and powders.

7. Prebiotics have been studied by experts and there are lots of
claims regarding its health effects. Some are:
 relief of constipation
 reduce intestinal pH
 restore intestinal bacterial balance
 increase in the absorption of calcium and magnesium
 effect on blood cholesterol level
 reduction of fasting glucose level in Type 2 diabetes
patients
 reduce risk on colorectal cancer
 effects on the immune system
 better intestinal flora in infants

8. Just like the prebiotics, the probiotics are still being studied
further to prove the claims that have been made about its
health benefits. Here are some of the beneficial effects of
probiotics:
 Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain
antibiotics
 Treat irritable bowel syndrome
 Speed treatment of certain intestinal infections
 Prevent and treat eczema in children
 Prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu
 Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract
infections
 Reduce bladder cancer recurrence

9.  The advisable intake of prebiotics involves 5-10 grams
of these non-digestible carbohydrates/ fibers per day.
Included here are the oligosaccharides which comes
from the vegetables. Effective dose of oligosaccharides
ranges from 5 to 10 grams per day for healthy adults. If
the dose is less than 5 grams, it wouldn’t be effective.
 On the other hand, the recommended effective dose of
probiotics is about 1 -2 million colony forming units
(CFU), in healthy individuals. As for those who are
undergoing antibiotic treatment and/or those who
have intestinal balance, 10 billion CFUs of probiotics
are advisable.

10. Prebiotics Probiotics
Prebiotics are defined as a non-digestible
special form of fiber or carbohydrates.
Probiotics are referred to as live active
microorganisms (bacteria) that when
administered in adequate amount will have
beneficial effects to its host.
The powder form of prebiotics can
survive heat, cold, acid, and even time.
Probiotics are more fragile. They are
vulnerable to heat and stomach acid.
They may also be killed over time.
Prebiotics perform their role by
nourishing the bacteria that lives in the
intestines.
Probiotics fight the harmful bacterial
species present in the gut.
Prebiotics have been argued to be
beneficial in irritable bowel syndrome,
inflammatory bowel disease, colon
polyps, cancer, and even leaky gut.
There are various strains of probiotic
bacteria which are proven to be effective
in the relief of irritable bowel syndrome
and bowel infections symptoms.

11.  Synbiotics refer to the
combination of the prebiotics
and probiotics within a single
product. Prebiotics are
targeted to act on the large
intestines while the probiotics
are most effective in doing its
role in the small intestine. The
two agents have been said to
act synergistically. So, the term
Synbiotics is used.

12.  Prebiotics and probiotics contribute to the discoveries
regarding their beneficial effects in the advancement
of complimentary treatment or alternative medicine.
These two have been claimed to have health benefits
which can definitely aid in the improvement of
people’s quality of life especially those who are
suffering from health issues such as digestive and
immunity problems. With these two combined
together, they can perform even better roles in the
body particularly in digestion. This is what makes
them more appropriate to be included as a part of
balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Thus, these
promotes overall well-being.

13.  We know that we need both probiotics
and prebiotics, but there are not many
sources that have both. Probacto
contains both high quality prebiotics
as well as probiotics
 The prebiotics that Probacto uses are
Isomalto-Oligosaccharide, which is
non-GMO, sugar free and gluten free.
 They use 8 different probiotics in
Probacto, and they are spore
germinating, so they are more likely to
survive when they arrive at your place.