Prebiotic vs Probiotic: What's The Difference?

5 May, 2022

While you’ve probably heard of probiotics, you may not have heard of the similar-sounding ‘prebiotics’ before. And if you have, then you might not know what they are or what they do — or which is best.

Both prebiotics and probiotics are good for your health, helping to support your digestive system and providing a range of benefits. But how do they compare?

If you want to know what the difference is between prebiotic vs probiotic, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we explain the roles and benefits of each, where you can find them, and how you can get more of both in your diet.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria that can be found in certain foods and in probiotic supplements. These living microorganisms, when ingested in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit.

We often call probiotics ‘good bacteria’, or ‘friendly bacteria’. This is because they have a proven benefit for us.

Most bacteria in the body live in the gut which is composed of over 35,000 different bacterial species. They are responsible for assisting with digesting food, absorbing important nutrients, and supporting the immune system.

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are a special form of dietary fibre that comes from certain types of carbohydrates.

We can’t digest this particular type of fibre (prebiotics), however, prebiotics are a source of food to the friendly bacteria in our gut — eating prebiotics helps these healthy bacteria to grow and thrive.

In turn, this keeps us healthy, makes our digestive system work better, and helps maintain the internal balance in our bodies.

The difference between prebiotics and probiotics

Although they sound very similar, they are not. Both probiotics and prebiotics are important for your gut, and each has their own important — and different — role to play.

Probiotics add helpful, healthy bacteria to your digestive system to boost your good bacteria numbers and keep everything running smoothly.

Prebiotics feed the good bacteria, stimulating growth.

As you can see, it’s not a case of prebiotic vs probiotic. The two work in tandem, helping our bodies stay balanced, healthy and well.

Can you take prebiotics and probiotics together?

It is generally considered safe to take prebiotics and probiotics together.

If you are thinking about taking prebiotic and probiotic supplements, then it is best to check in with your doctor or healthcare provider first — particularly if you have a chronic disease or more serious health condition. They will be able to advise you further.

Prebiotic foods

It’s easy to get enough prebiotics in your diet because they are the types of fibre found in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and pulses. If you’re eating a varied diet with a range of different high-fibre foods, then you’re likely to be getting enough prebiotic fibre anyway.

Foods that are high in prebiotic fibre include:

Beans
Peas
Oats
Bananas
Berries
Onions
Garlic
Jerusalem artichokes
Asparagus
Leeks
Apples
Chicory root

All of these prebiotic foods are high in the type of fibre you need to support your digestive health. Including a variety of these in your diet will help to feed the friendly bacteria in your gut and help with digestion.

Probiotic foods

Fermented foods, made in the traditional manner with active or live cultures, may contain probiotics. Some foods, such as dairy products, may be supplemented with specific probiotic strains, as noted on the label.

Here are some fermented foods that you can add to your diet:

Yoghurt
Kefir, both dairy and non-dairy (a fermented probiotic drink)
Miso soup or paste
Sauerkraut
Kimchi
Kombucha (a fermented tea drink)
Tempeh (a fermented soybean patty)
Pickled vegetables e.g. gherkins or pickled cucumbers
Traditional buttermilk
Some types of cheese

Introduce new fermented food gradually, in small amounts, and enjoy consuming as part of a balanced, varied diet.

Prebiotics and probiotics supplements

To continue supporting your gut health, you may wish to supplement your diet with pre and probiotics.

Probiotics come in a few different forms — as tablets, capsules, nutritional powders, drinks or yoghurt.

SUSTAGEN Optimum is a nutritionally complete powder supplement that contains probiotics as well as other nutrients you need, such as protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. SUSTAGEN Optimum with the added probiotic can help to support a healthy gut and maintain digestive health.

Prebiotic supplements are more unusual, because prebiotics are easy to get from fibre sources in our diets. If you’re eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, grains and pulses, then you’ll be getting the amount of prebiotic fibres you need.

As with adding any new supplements to your daily routine, it is a good idea to check with your doctor or health care provider first. If you have a chronic health condition or existing illness they will be able to let you know how to proceed, and whether you are able to take prebiotics and probiotics supplements.

SUSTAGEN OPTIMUM™ is a Food for Special Medical Purpose, specially formulated for medical conditions where nutritional needs cannot be met through diet modification alone. Must be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Sustagem