Overview

Postbiotics are similar to probiotics. They are made of whole and partial microorganisms that offer health benefits. But unlike probiotics, they are not alive.

The term "postbiotics" is somewhat controversial. Generally, a postbiotic must be "inactivated" or killed, and it must be clear how this was done. Also, the postbiotic must provide health benefits. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium bifidum that are no longer alive would be considered postbiotics.

People use postbiotics for stomach conditions, allergies, diabetes, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but the definition of "postbiotics" is still unclear, so there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Postbiotics as a group aren't regulated by the FDA. Don't confuse postbiotics with probiotics. These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Postbiotics overview.

Side Effects



Special Precautions and Warnings



Postbiotics products might contain a wide range of ingredients. There isn't enough reliable information to know if postbiotics are safe, but some believe they might be safer than probiotics because they aren't alive. Examples of microorganisms that have been used as postbiotics include inactivated Brewer's yeast, Bacillus coagulans, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri. Review these topics to learn more.


Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if postbiotics are safe to use while pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Postbiotics overview.

Dosing

Postbiotic products might contain a wide range of ingredients. Generally, to be called a postbiotic it must be clear how a microorganism is "inactivated" or killed, and health benefits must be confirmed. These products have been taken by mouth, applied to the skin, and inhaled through the nose. Examples of microorganisms that have been used as postbiotics include inactivated Brewer's yeast, Bacillus coagulans, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri. Review these topics to learn more.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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