Written by Azadeh Khiabani, Ph.D. in Food Biotechnology
What are synbiotics?
Synbiotics are a combination of probiotics (beneficial gut bacteria) and prebiotics (indigestible fibers that help these bacteria grow). By combining these two groups of compounds in synbiotic products, many synergistic effects become visible in the digestive system.
The concept behind synbiotics is that prebiotics assist probiotics in surviving in the gut and beneficially balancing intestinal bacteria by stimulating growth or increasing metabolic activity. This is beneficial for the health of the intestine, metabolism, and immune system of the host, resulting in health-giving effects. Therefore, they fall into the category of functional foods.
The intentional and purposeful design of synbiotic foods produces health effects in either the small intestine or large intestine. While synbiotic products also function in the small intestine, foods containing prebiotics often increase the population of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine.
Synbiotics can be consumed as supplements or through food. Researchers in the food industry have incorporated them into pasta, drinks, chocolate, and yogurt.
Health benefits of synbiotics
Synbiotics are believed to provide several benefits to the body. Some of these benefits include:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Scientists suggest that synbiotics can help alleviate symptoms of IBD by reducing intestinal inflammation.
- Travelers’ Diarrhea
This common issue is characterized by symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain when consuming food and water in unfamiliar environments. Synbiotics may help prevent this condition.
- Lactose Intolerance
Individuals with lactose intolerance experience symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, and gas after consuming dairy products due to their inability to properly digest lactose. Research has indicated that synbiotics can reduce these symptoms.
- Immune System Function
The combination of prebiotics and probiotics n synbiotics may have a positive impact on the immune system. While further clinical research is needed, studies have shown that synbiotic compounds can enhance immune system function in mice.
- Obesity and Hyperglycemia
Studies have demonstrated that consuming synbiotic foods can lead to a decrease in the hormone associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and obesity in individuals with high blood sugar levels.
Limitations of synbiotics
Although laboratory studies demonstrated the numerous benefits of synbiotics, further research is necessary to understand their impact on the human body. Scientists encounter difficulties in delivering these products to consumers, as synbiotic products must contain a significant amount of live and active probiotics to be effective when ingested. Additionally, synbiotic medicinal supplements must undergo testing for safety and efficacy as mandated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a doctor before incorporating a new supplement into your routine.
For more information, please refer to the articles on (Probiotics), (Prebiotics), (Postbiotics), and (Fermented foods).
