Postbiotics
ポストバイオティクス (posutobaiotikusu)
Definition
The beneficial compounds gut bacteria produce, and components of the bacteria themselves. Short-chain fatty acids are the flagship example.
Key points
- Postbiotics are the useful compounds bacteria produce, rather than the bacteria themselves
- Short-chain fatty acids are the most cited example
- It is a newer concept focused on what bacteria make, and research in pets is still developing
What are postbiotics?
Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds that gut bacteria produce, along with components of the bacteria themselves. The word completes a family: probiotics are the live bacteria, prebiotics are the bacteria's food, and postbiotics are what the bacteria make. It is the newest of the three terms, and it shifts the spotlight from the workers to their work.
The flagship example
The compounds most often held up as postbiotics are the short-chain fatty acids, produced when gut bacteria ferment fiber. Butyrate, made by the gut's butyrate-producing specialists, is considered an energy source for the cells lining the gut, and is a favorite subject of ongoing research.
A word of calibration
Postbiotics is a genuinely useful concept and a genuinely young one, and young terms attract enthusiastic marketing faster than they attract settled evidence. Research in dogs and cats is still developing, so treat firm product claims with patience. If a postbiotic product interests you for your animal, the reliable move is the same as ever: read what is actually in it, and ask your veterinarian.
This entry shares general knowledge and is not veterinary advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any condition. If you have concerns about your dog or cat, please consult your veterinarian.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between postbiotics and probiotics?
Probiotics are the live bacteria themselves. Postbiotics are what the bacteria produce, and components derived from them, the outputs rather than the workers.
Are postbiotics good for dogs and cats?
The concept is new and research is still developing, so firm claims are premature. If a product interests you, run it past your veterinarian rather than the marketing copy.
Are short-chain fatty acids postbiotics?
Yes, the short-chain fatty acids that gut bacteria produce by fermenting fiber are the most commonly cited example of postbiotics.