We’ve all heard of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, but now there are two newer members of the ‘biotic’ family – postbiotics and paraprobiotics. So, what are these latest ‘biotics’?
Whilst the terms postbiotic and paraprobiotic are often used interchangeably, they do have different meanings:1
- Postbiotics are metabolic products or byproducts secreted by live bacteria, or released after bacterial lysis
- Paraprobiotics are inactivated fully intact microbial cells that have been inactivated by various mechanisms, most commonly heat
Figure 1: Representation of the various ‘biotics’2
How do they work if they’re dead?
Both postbiotics and paraprobiotics can confer valuable health effects. Some dead bacteria retain some beneficial properties, particularly immunomodulatory effects, protection against enteropathogens, and support for intestinal barrier integrity.3
Figure 2: Mechanisms of paraprobiotics and postbiotics in immune modulation4
Any other benefits?
As probiotics are live organisms, their manufacture and storage have to be very carefully managed. Paraprobiotics, on the other hand, are considerably more stable and easier to manufacture and store, without a loss of beneficial activity. They are also have an excellent tolerability profile.1
Evidence for efficacy
A majority of paraprobiotics are developed from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.2 One particular strain, Lactobacillus gasseri 2305 HI has multiple clinical trials supporting its efficacy for:
- Stress and sleep: Several clinical trials have demonstrated that L. gasseri CP2305 HI effectively alleviates symptoms associated with stress and anxiety, while also improving sleep quality.5–10
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Treatment with L. gasseri CP2305 HI 10 billion cells/day results in fewer premenstrual symptoms, particularly psychological symptoms, such as depressed mood and anxiety.8
- Digestive health: L. gasseri CP2305 HI 10 billion cells/day improves bowel frequency and microbiota composition (increased Bifidobacteria and decreased Clostridia).11
In summary
- Paraprobiotics are inactivated beneficial bacteria which can confer many beneficial health effects via interaction with the gut and gut immune system.
- They are considerably more stable than probiotics and are well-tolerated.
- Evidence for improvements in a range of health conditions exist, in particular for Lactobacillus gasseri 2305 HI which can aid stress, sleep, PMS symptoms as well as digestive health.
