In recent years, the conversation around gut health has expanded beyond probiotics and prebiotics to include a lesser-known but increasingly important player: postbiotics.
As a healthcare professional, understanding postbiotics can enhance how you support patients in managing their health and wellness.
This guide offers a foundational overview of postbiotics and practical tips for integrating them into patient care.
What Are Postbiotics?
Postbiotics are the bioactive compounds produced when probiotics (live beneficial bacteria) ferment dietary fibers in the gut.[1] Unlike probiotics, postbiotics are not live organisms. Instead, they are the metabolic byproducts—such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), enzymes, peptides, and cell wall fragments—that can positively influence health.[2]
Think of postbiotics as the “end result” of a healthy gut microbiome at work. While probiotics are the workers and prebiotics are their fuel, postbiotics are the materials they leave behind to maintain the body’s systems. These compounds can be found naturally in fermented foods or formulated into supplements.
Postbiotics vs. Probiotics vs. Prebiotics
Healthcare professionals are often tasked with helping patients navigate the complex world of gut health supplements. Understanding the distinctions between probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics is essential for guiding informed choices.
● Probiotics are live microorganisms—typically bacteria or yeast—that, when consumed in adequate amounts, support the gut microbiome. They are commonly found in fermented foods and dietary supplements.
● Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria. They help promote the growth and activity of probiotics.
● Postbiotics are the non-living bioactive compounds produced when probiotics ferment prebiotics. Postbiotics may be preferable in certain clinical scenarios. For example, patients who experience digestive discomfort or intolerance to probiotics may respond better to postbiotics.
By clearly distinguishing these three categories and understanding when postbiotics are most appropriate, healthcare professionals can tailor gut health strategies to meet individual patient needs more effectively.
Professional-Grade Postbiotic Supplements
As interest in postbiotics continues to grow, many healthcare professionals are exploring their potential to support patient outcomes. Some are turning to professional-grade postbiotic supplements as a reliable option.
Akkermansia is a naturally occurring gut microbe that plays a key role in maintaining overall wellness. In a healthy gut, akkermansia accounts for up to 4% of intestinal microflora bacteria.[3] However, many people are low on akkermansia or have no detectable levels. Akkermansia supplements are designed to address this concern.
Nutra Biogenesis offers a professional-grade akkermansia supplement[1] that delivers 100 mg akkermansia muciniphila Akk11, supplying 10 billion TFU. Vegan, gluten-free, and lab-verified, it is an excellent choice for healthcare professionals advising patients on probiotic supplements.
Patient Communication Tips
Explaining postbiotics to patients can be challenging, especially when they’re already navigating complex health information. Here are a few strategies to make the concept more accessible:
● Use analogies: Compare the gut to a factory—probiotics are the workers, prebiotics are the fuel, and postbiotics are the finished products that help the body function better.
● Simplify the science: Emphasize that postbiotics are natural compounds made by good bacteria in the gut.
● Address misconceptions: Patients may confuse prebiotics and postbiotics with probiotics or assume they need to take all three. Clarify that while they work together, postbiotics can be beneficial on their own.
● Tailor recommendations: Postbiotics may be a gentler alternative to probiotics for patients with sensitive digestive systems. Suggest fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, or miso, or point them toward postbiotic supplements if appropriate.
Takeaways for Providers
Postbiotics represent an exciting frontier in gut health and patient care.
Their stability, safety, and broad range of benefits make them a valuable tool for healthcare professionals.
By understanding what postbiotics are and how to communicate their value, clinicians can empower patients to make informed choices that support long-term wellness.
[1] “What Are Postbiotics?” Cleveland Clinic health.clevelandclinic.org/postbiotics.
[2] Thorakkattu P, Khanashyam AC, Shah K, et al. “Postbiotics: Current Trends in Food and Pharmaceutical Industry.” Foods 2022;11(19):3094. Published 2022 Oct 5. doi:10.3390/foods11193094.
[3]Ghotaslou, Reza et al “The Metabolic, Protective, and Immune Functions of Akkermansia Muciniphila” Microbiological Research, Volume 266, 2023, 127245, ISSN 0944-5013, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2022.127245.