Tag: Probiotics vs prebiotics

According to a 2025 study from MD Anderson Cancer Center, prebiotics and probiotics are both essential for a balanced gut, each playing a different but crucial role. So, is it better to have probiotics or prebiotics for your digestive health? The truth is, these two work in tandem and are most effective when taken together.

According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), a prebiotic is a selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefits upon host health. In simple terms, another name for a prebiotic is a "microbiome fertilizer" because it nourishes the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

According to the International Science Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, the total number of adult intestinal flora is estimated at 3.9 x 10^13, demonstrating the sheer scale of the microbial world within us. Understanding the key difference between probiotics and prebiotics is crucial for managing this complex internal ecosystem and unlocking significant health benefits.