Prebiotics and Probiotics

Gut health is a critical component of overall wellness, influencing everything from digestion to immune function and even mental health. Two key players in maintaining a healthy gut are prebiotics and probiotics. Though they sound similar, they serve distinct purposes and synergistically support the gut microbiome. Let's explore what prebiotics and probiotics are, their differences, benefits, and how to include them in your diet through a detailed examination.

What are Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Prebiotics and probiotics are integral to promoting gut health but function in distinctly different ways. Prebiotics are dietary fibres that feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut, whereas probiotics are live beneficial bacteria themselves. These elements not only enhance gut health but also support overall well-being through their various functions in the digestive system.

Characteristic	Prebiotics	Probiotics
Definition	Non-digestible fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut.	Live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.
Function	Stimulate growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria.	Directly add beneficial bacteria to the gut microbiome.
Health Benefits	Enhance gut flora balance, improve digestion, support immune system.	Improve digestion, enhance immune function, reduce allergies and infections, mental health support.
Common Food Sources	- Chicory root	- Yogurt
	- Garlic	- Kefir
	- Onions	- Sauerkraut
	- Asparagus	- Kimchi
	- Bananas	- Miso
	- Whole grains	- Tempeh
Typical Uses	Often added to foods as a fiber supplement or used in functional foods designed for digestive health.	Incorporated into fermented foods or offered as supplements like capsules, pills, or powders.
Testing Requirements	Label accuracy for fiber content, verifying type and concentration of fiber.	Viability testing to ensure live cultures at the time of consumption, strain specificity.

Health Benefits

Maintain a Healthy Digestive System: Both prebiotics and probiotics contribute to balancing the gut microbiome, which is crucial for optimal digestion.
Enhance Nutrient Absorption: By improving gut health, they help enhance the body's ability to absorb vitamins and minerals from food.
Support the Immune System: A healthy gut microbiome aids in strengthening the immune system, helping to fend off infections.
Reduce Allergy Prevalence: Probiotics, in particular, can help reduce the incidence of allergies by modulating the body's immune response.
Lower Risk of Certain Infections: Regular consumption of probiotics has been linked to a reduced risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
Promote Mental Health: By producing neurotransmitters and influencing stress responses, these gut-friendly bacteria can positively impact mental health, potentially reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Testing Methods

Testing prebiotics and probiotics is crucial for verifying their viability, concentration, and purity in food products. Common testing methods include:

Quantitative PCR (qPCR): To measure the concentration of probiotics in a sample.
Plate counts: To assess the viability of probiotic cultures.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): To identify and quantify prebiotic fibres.
Genetic sequencing: To ensure probiotic strains are correctly identified and safe.

Importance of testing

Testing prebiotic and probiotic food products is essential for several important reasons:

Quality Assurance: Ensures the products contain the correct amounts of prebiotics and live probiotics as advertised.
Safety: Verifies that the products are free from contaminants and safe for consumption.
Effectiveness: Confirms that the prebiotics and probiotics are effective in delivering the health benefits they claim.
Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet legal standards for labeling and health claims, ensuring products can be legally sold.
Consumer Trust: Builds confidence among consumers that the products are safe, effective, and worth their price.

Standards and regulations

Probiotics:

Labeling: Products must clearly indicate "PROBIOTIC FOOD" and include detailed strain information, viable counts at shelf-life end, and consumption guidelines.
Strain Approval: Only strains listed in FSSAI's Schedule VII are permitted. The viable count must be at least 10⁸ CFU per recommended serving per day.
Health Claims: Cannot claim to prevent, cure, or treat diseases. Claims about general well-being are allowed if supported by scientific evidence.
Packaging Info: Should include warnings, storage conditions, and 'best by' dates. Must state "NOT FOR MEDICINAL USE".
Additives: Only those specified in Schedules VA to VF are permitted.

Prebiotics

Labeling: Must be labeled as "PREBIOTIC FOOD" with details on the prebiotic used.
Compound Approval: Only compounds listed in FSSAI's Schedule VIII are allowed.
Health Claims: Like probiotics, cannot claim to prevent, cure, or treat diseases. Functional claims need scientific backing.
Packaging Info: Should include recommended serving size and a clear indication of "NOT FOR MEDICINAL USE".
Additives: Restricted to those specified in Schedules VA to VF.
Daily Intake Limit: For adults, the maximum daily intake of prebiotics should not exceed 40g per 2000 kcal.

Eurofins role in testing Prebiotics and Probiotics

Eurofins provides essential testing services for prebiotics and probiotics, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance. Key offerings:

Probiotic Testing: Verifies live microbe counts (CFU), strain identity (via DNA/PCR), and stability under storage.
Prebiotic Analysis: Confirms composition (e.g., HPLC for FOS/inulin) and functionality (fermentation studies).
Safety Checks: Screens for pathogens, allergens, heavy metals, and endotoxins.
Regulatory Support: Validates label claims (CFU, ingredients) and aids compliance with global standards (FDA, EFSA).
Efficacy & Shelf-Life: Tests survivability in gut-like conditions, metabolite production, and expiration dates.
Custom Solutions: R&D support, clinical trial analytics, and packaging validation.

Leveraging global accredited labs, Eurofins helps manufacturers deliver safe, effective gut-health products.