Synbiotics are sophisticated dietary supplements or food products that intentionally combine both probiotic microorganisms and prebiotic compounds in a synergistic formulation. The key feature is that the prebiotic component selectively nourishes and supports the growth and enhanced activity of the co-administered probiotic strains. This combination is designed to maximize the survival and colonization of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, optimizing gut health and strengthening the gut-brain-hormone axis for overall wellness.
Origin
The term is a precise portmanteau created from “probiotics” (live beneficial microbes) and “prebiotics” (non-digestible compounds that feed the microbes). It was coined to denote the specific, mutually reinforcing nature of the combined ingredients, reflecting a deeper understanding of microbiome ecology.
Mechanism
The prebiotic substrate, typically a specific non-digestible fiber or oligosaccharide, travels unabsorbed to the colon where it is selectively fermented by the probiotic strains, providing them with a targeted nutrient source. This preferential nourishment ensures the probiotics thrive and exert their full beneficial effects, such as the robust production of short-chain fatty acids, improvement of gut barrier integrity, and modulation of systemic inflammatory and metabolic signals.
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