The difference between prebiotics and probiotics
Billions of micro-organisms live in the gut, together forming the gut microbiome. You may have heard of prebiotics and probiotics, but what exactly is the difference? In this article, we explain what these terms mean and which foods contain them.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are a type of fibre that your gut cannot digest. You can find prebiotic fibres in, among other things:
- Bananas: rich in inulin, a type of prebiotic fibre.
- Onions and garlic: contain fructo-oligosaccharides, a type of fibre
- Asparagus: contain inulin and other prebiotic fibres.
- Wholegrains: such as wheat and oats, rich in various prebiotic fibres.
- Chicory and artichoke: good sources of inulin
Want to know more? Read all about prebiotics here.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live micro-organisms, such as bacteria and yeasts, found in certain foods and supplements. When you consume them through food or supplements, these micro-organisms travel through the digestive tract to your gut. Want to know more? Read all about probiotics here. You can find live bacterial strains in:
- Fermented foods: such as yoghurt, kefir and sauerkraut, which contain naturally live cultures.
- Kombucha: a fermented tea that is rich in live bacterial strains.
- Miso and tempeh: fermented soya products that contain beneficial bacteria.
What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
Prebiotic fibres and live bacterial strains are often mentioned together, but they are different types of nutritional components.
|
Characteristic |
Prebiotic fibres |
Live micro-organisms |
|
What is it? |
Dietary fibre |
Live micro-organisms |
|
What happens to it? |
Fermented by bacteria in the large intestine |
Consumed through food or supplements |
|
Where is it found? |
Vegetables, fruit, wholegrain products |
Fermented foods |
Can you use prebiotic fibres and live bacterial strains together?
When prebiotic fibres and live bacterial strains are used together, this is also known as a synbiotic. This combination is found in various foods and supplements that contain both fibres and live micro-organisms.
Good to know
Prebiotic fibres and live bacterial strains are often mentioned together, but they are different types of nutritional components.
Sources
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