All about probiotics
Probiotics are live micro-organisms, usually bacteria, that naturally occur in and on the body. Read on to discover everything you need to know about these micro-organisms: the different types, what they do, which foods contain them, and more.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live micro-organisms—mainly bacteria and sometimes yeasts—found in certain foods and supplements. Probiotics occur naturally in our bodies. The word “probiotics” is made up of the Latin word pro (for) and the Greek word bios (life). So, probiotics literally means: “for life”. These bacteria form part of the complex ecosystem of micro-organisms in the gut.
Millions of micro-organisms live in your gut together forming your gut microbiome. Some micro-organisms are referred to as probiotics when they are consumed in sufficient amounts and have been specifically selected.
What types of probiotics are there?
There are different types of probiotics. Different species and strains are distinguished from one another based on genetic and microbiological characteristics. The most common genera are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Within these groups there are various strains; each strain has unique properties that are being studied scientifically.
Probiotics in food
You can find probiotics in fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, gherkins, kimchi and kombucha. These foods naturally contain live micro-organisms as a result of fermentation.
What do probiotics do?
Probiotics are widely studied in relation to the gut microbiome.
Probiotics and antibiotics
Using antibiotics can affect the composition of the gut microbiome. Some people choose to use probiotics during or after a course of antibiotics.
Can I take probiotic supplements during pregnancy?
Using probiotics during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is generally considered safe. However, always consult your treating doctor before using supplements during pregnancy. Scientific studies are investigating what role certain probiotic strains may play during pregnancy. Results vary by study and by strain.
What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
Prebiotics are dietary fibres that serve as food for probiotics. They help stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Probiotics are the live organisms themselves, while prebiotics create the environment in which they can thrive. Pre- and probiotics are often mentioned together in relation to the gut microbiome.
Important sources of prebiotics include:
- Fructo-oligosaccharides: found in bananas, onions, asparagus, leeks and wheat products.
- Galacto-oligosaccharides: found in nuts and pulses.
- Inulin: found in the roots of certain plants, such as chicory and artichokes.
Want to know more? Read about the difference between pre- and probiotics here.
In conclusion
Probiotics are live bacteria found in certain foods and supplements. These bacteria form part of the gut microbiome. You can find probiotics in fermented foods such as yoghurt and sauerkraut.
Do you have more questions or are you looking for personal advice? Contact our health coaches via the online chat, or visit a Vitaminstore shop near you.
Sources
- Maag Lever Darm Stichting
- Voedingscentrum
- Natuur en gezondheidsProducten Nederland (NPN)
- Informatiecentrum voedingssupplementen & gezondheid (IVG)
- NCBI
