How are prebiotics different from probiotics?

How are prebiotics different from probiotics? (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

It's a very common question gastroenterologists have to address.

These two words differ by a letter, but they target similar benefits - improving overall health by improving digestive health through nourishing a healthy colon. "Our digestive system is the host to millions of bacteria, many of which play an important role in the breakdown of the foods you eat," says Dr Philip Abraham, senior gastroenterologist and hepatologist, P D Hinduja National Hospital, Mumbai. Prebiotics and probiotics  are interdependent, but different matters altogether.

Probiotics are defined as viable microbial supplements that beneficially influence the health of the host. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are food ingredients that are largely undegraded in the small bowel and selectively stimulate the growth and/or  activity of the probiotic organism, thus benefiting the host. Prebiotic fiber is not affected by heat, cold, acid or time. Probiotics can be killed by heat, acid or simply the passage of time. Prebiotics nourish the thousands of good bacterial species already living in the colon. Probiotics contain from one to a few species of bacteria which are added to the colon when they are ingested.

Prebiotic fiber is a naturally-occurring substance, found in thousands of plant species (though mostly in very small amounts). Probiotics occur naturally in fermented foods like yogurt. Prebiotics foster an environment in the colon which is hostile to bad bacteria. Probiotics may impact bad bacteria by crowding them out. To put it simply, probiotics are the beneficial organisms; prebiotics provide the substrate that allows the probiotics to grow or become more active. When given in combination, it is called symbiotic therapy.

Source: Times of India

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