Difference between Prebiotics and Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. There are different groups of probiotic microorganisms. On the other hand, Prebiotics are compounds in food that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
Fructooligosaccharides are a primary example of prebiotics, whereas nonstarch polysaccharides, plant wall polysaccharides, and pectins, among other carbohydrates, are not necessarily prebiotic agents, but most are classified as dietary fiber. Thus, all fiber is not prebiotic, and all prebiotics are not fiber, but what fiber and prebiotics have in common is that neither is digestible by human enzymes. Rather, they are fermented and digested by the microbiota of the intestine.
Let us understand the difference between the Prebiotics and Probiotics.
| PREBIOTICS | PROBIOTICS |
| PREBIOTICS are a special form of dietary fiber | PROBIOTICS are live bacteria in yogurt, dairy products and pills. There are hundreds of probiotic species available. Which of the hundreds of available probiotics is best for the average healthy person is still unknown. |
| PREBIOTIC powders are not affected by heat, cold, acid or time. | PROBIOTIC bacteria must be kept alive. They may be killed by heat, stomach acid or simply die with time. |
| PREBIOTICS provide a wide range of health benefits to the otherwise healthy person. Most of these have been medically proven. | PROBIOTICS are still not clearly known to provide health benefits to the otherwise healthy. Some are suspected but still not proven. |
| PREBIOTICS nourish the good bacteria that everyone already has in their gut. | PROBIOTICS must compete with the over 1000 bacteria species already in the gut. |
| PREBIOTICS may be helpful for several chronic digestive disorders or inflammatory bowel disease. | Certain PROBIOTIC species have been shown to be helpful for childhood diarrhea, irritable bowel disease and for recurrence of certain bowel infections such as C. di
fficile . |
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