Unlike probiotics, which represent live cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms with a beneficial effect on human health, postbiotics are molecules that are created as a result of the metabolism of probiotics. Recently, terms such as paraprobiotics or postbiotics have appeared, which represent dead microbial cells, microbial fractions, or cell lysates (cells whose cell membrane has been destroyed), and it is believed that these ingredients can have favorable physiological effects and additional bioactive effects in addition to the known effects of probiotics.
Postbiotics are usually enzymes, peptides, organic acids, peptidoglycans, polysaccharides, proteins, and vitamins. They are characterized by the content of different signaling molecules that can have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antiproliferative, and antioxidant effects. They can also have a beneficial effect on body composition and leanness. However, most of the mechanisms of action of postbiotics have not yet been elucidated.
Taking into account the factors that negatively affect the intestinal microflora and thus our health, the regular intake of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics for preventive purposes is a matter of healthy and far-reaching thinking, while in cases of disturbed balance of the intestinal microflora, their intake asserts itself as a wise decision.
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