What is the Origin of Postbiotic Supplementation?

The concept of postbiotics evolved from the advanced understanding that many of the observed systemic health effects of probiotics are mediated not by the live organisms themselves, but by the functional molecules they produce during fermentation. This shift in focus allows for a more stable, precisely dosed, and functionally targeted intervention. It represents a maturation of the biotics field toward molecular precision.

What is the Mechanism of Postbiotic Supplementation?

Postbiotics function by directly interacting with the host's intestinal cells, immune receptors, and nervous system, often via signaling molecules that cross the gut barrier. For example, short-chain fatty acids directly nourish colonocytes and modulate systemic immune and metabolic responses. This targeted delivery supports gut barrier function, reduces inflammatory signaling, and indirectly influences the endocrine system by mitigating metabolic stress.

Postbiotic Supplementation ∞ Area

Postbiotic Supplementation

Meaning

Postbiotic Supplementation is the clinical practice of administering beneficial, non-viable microbial cell components, their fermentation end-products, or specific purified metabolites to support host health. These bioactive compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids, functional proteins, and cell-wall fragments, are distinct from live bacteria. This targeted approach delivers the health benefits of the microbiome without requiring the introduction of live organisms, offering a precise means of systemic modulation.