Knowledge Hub
Compare prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics.
Prebiotics
Definitions, biological roles and references for prebiotics.
View Prebiotics →Probiotics
Definitions, biological roles and references for live probiotic microorganisms.
View Probiotics →Postbiotics
Definitions, components and scientific references for postbiotic preparations.
View Postbiotics →Knowledge Hub
Explore the science behind prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics—three distinct approaches to supporting gut health and overall wellness.
WHAT ARE POSTBIOTICS?
Postbiotics are defined as a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host, distinguishing them from probiotics which must be alive at administration.
Inanimate
Microbial Cells
Microbial Cell
Fragments
Metabolites
This definition captures intact or fragmented microbial cells and associated bioactive constituents produced during fermentation, while excluding purified single chemicals, vaccines, and viruses.(Reference: ISAPP)
HOW THEY WORK
MODULATE RESIDENT MICROBIOTA
Directly balances the intestinal flora through antimicrobial compounds, while indirectly supporting beneficial short-chain fatty acids.
ENHANCE EPITHELIAL BARRIER INTEGRITY
Strengthen the gut lining to improve its protective barrier.
CALIBRATE IMMUNE RESPONSES
Interact with immune cells to fine-tune the body's defenses.
IMPACT METABOLIC PATHWAYS
Influence metabolism and contribute to important body signals, like gut-brain communication.
SAFETY, QUALITY & THE BOTTOM LINE
SAFETY YOU CAN TRUST
FAVORABLE SAFETY PROFILE:
No replication; each requires preparation-specific assessment.
TOXICITY TESTING:
3-strain postbiotic showed no adverse findings in acute/subchronic tests; no detectable biogenic amines.
REGULATORY GUIDANCE:
Emphasizes strain-level identification, inactivation, and GMPs.
QUALITY & LABELING CUES
LOOK FOR:
- • Progenitor genus–species–strain
- • Postbiotic type
- • Quantification units
- • Guaranteed amounts through shelf life
DISCLOSURE:
Intentional inactivation & standardized enumeration at regulatory level.
ALIGNMENT:
Adherence to 2021 ISAPP definition for clarity.