If you visit this site, chances are that you are well informed about nutrition! Despite careful reading and exhaustive research, you may still have questions about some certain things like such as the difference between prebiotics and probiotics. If so, the next lines will finally clarify the mystery.
PROBIOTICS for Digestion Professionals
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that make up the intestinal flora and drive out microorganisms that impair nutrient uptake and weaken the immune system. The digestive tract is colonized by hundreds of billions of bacteria belonging to almost 500 different species: it is a valuable ecosystem that keeps the organism healthy1.
PREBIOTICS for Prevention through Diet
Prebiotics are, for their part, soluble fibres found in our diet. They act indirectly on the microbiota (that is, the bacterial world in our intestines) by undergoing fermentation at the colon level2, 3. Through this process, they nourish the friendly bacteria of our digestive system and also contribute to the health of the human being.
The Best of Both Worlds: Symbiotics
This is about associating pro and pre-biotics to accomplish a symbiosis, and thus, having our metabolism fully benefit the virtues of two digestive allies4. This combination is absolute common sense, under the logic that one supports the action of the other. Dare to test the gastrointestinal duo!
Flash Quiz to see who the Experts are!
True or False. Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus lactis, Bifidobacterium longum are probiotics.
True. There are many strains of probiotics: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paralysie, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium breve… to name a few.
True or False. Inulin, spirulina, fructooligosaccharides (more commonly known as FOS) are prebiotics.
False. The above ingredients are all prebiotics except for spirulina which does not provide this prebiotic effect. The list could also include galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).
True or False. Yogurt and fermented milk are considered to be comparable probiotic supplements.
False. They contain probiotic strains from animal and vegetable sources. It does not contain human strains, ans therefore does not reflect our own microflora. Also, the concentration is less!
REFERENCES
1 Probaclac.ca [Website] Consulted April 28 2017. http://www.probaclac.ca/fr
2 Sciencepresse.qc.ca. [Website] Consulted April 28 2017. http://www.sciencepresse.qc.ca/blogue/2010/04/21/probiotique-prebiotique
3 Meier R. et Lochs H. Pre-and probiotics. There Umsch. 2007; Mar 64 (3): 161-9.
4 Flesch AG., Poziomyck AK. et Damin DC. The therapeutic use of symbiotics. Are Bras Cir Dig. 2014; Jul-Sep 27 (3): 206-9.