Postbiotics: a missing key to supporting intestinal health?

Postbiotics: a definition subject to expert debate

The term “postbiotic” refers to components derived from living organisms (biotic) after their lifetime (post). The exact definition of postbiotics has been the subject of debate in the scientific community for many years. In 2021, the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) published a consensus definition of postbiotics as “a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on its host”.¹

Speaking at Bacteria Days, a symposium organized by the Lesaffre Institute of Science & Technology, Dr. Gabriel Vinderola – a member of ISAPP’s Board of Directors – said: “ISAPP’s aim was to unify all the different terms that were previously used to define non-viable micro-organisms. The choice and definition of the term ‘postbiotics‘ will enable us to move the field forward, better regulate it and streamline communication around the subject“. Let’s take a closer look at the key elements of this definition:

• A preparation of inanimate micro-organisms:

The word “preparation” refers to the various treatment methods and matrices used in the inactivation of micro-organisms. These methods include the use of heat, chemicals or other techniques. The choice of inactivation method can influence the final effect of the postbiotic.

• Inanimate microorganisms and/or their components :

The term “micro-organism” was deliberately used by ISAPP because it includes all microbes in the origin of postbiotics, not just probiotics as in previous definitions. Postbiotics can therefore also be derived from non-probiotic microbes (e.g. microorganisms in a sourdough), as long as the final component has a beneficial effect on the host.

The term “components” includes various elements of the micro-organism, such as cell fragments or metabolites, i.e. substances produced or used by the micro-organism during its metabolic processes.

• A health benefit:

For a component to be considered postbiotic, it must demonstrate its ability to confer health benefits on the host.

A microscopic Swiss Army knife

Postbiotics can act individually or in combination to perform different roles within the host organism. Here are their main modes of action¹ :

• They modulate host microbiota, i.e. they help maintain the balance of good bacteria in the gut. For example, thanks to their antimicrobial activity, they can promote a healthy intestinal microbiota.
• They strengthen the epithelial barrier, a barrier of cells lining the intestine that acts as a protective shield, preventing harmful substances from entering the body.
• They regulate the local immune system by interacting with immune cells to control their reactions, thereby reducing inflammation or even allergies.
• They influence metabolic processes, helping to regulate processes such as glucose and fat management. This can help maintain a healthy energy balance and prevent certain metabolic diseases.
• They send signals through the nervous system, positively influencing the host’s mood and cognitive capacity.

 

 

Multidisciplinary potential: the applications of postbiotics

The different roles that postbiotics can play make them highly versatile for a variety of applications in health, agriculture and animal welfare.

Postbiotics have proved their worth in the treatment and management of a number of illnesses, including allergies, obesity and intestinal disorders.² They have also emerged in the world of cosmetics, thanks to their beneficial effect on the skin’s microbiota and their anti-inflammatory properties.³  Postbiotics have also enabled the creation of new categories of “functional foods”, i.e. foods that not only nourish, but also provide health benefits. Consumers will now be able to enjoy dairy products adapted to intolerances, as well as cereals or even beverages that can relieve inflammation, allergies or chronic illnesses.²

Postbiotics are emerging as natural, sustainable solutions for increasing agricultural yields by improving soil quality, promoting plant growth and resistance, and limiting disease. Similar results can be seen in animals: postbiotics have demonstrated their ability to improve digestion and nutrient absorption in livestock. They could also replace antibiotics, offering farmers a natural solution to the problem of limited antibiotic use. ²

These different applications demonstrate the immense potential of postbiotics to improve human and animal health, increase agricultural yields and promote sustainable development in many areas.

A possible complement to probiotics?

The main difference between probiotics and postbiotics lies in the fact that probiotics are living micro-organisms, whereas postbiotics are the non-living components of micro-organisms. This distinction is essential, as it can affect the stability, and hence use, of either.

Probiotics need to be maintained in the conditions necessary for their survival, which limits their use. On the other hand, postbiotics, being non-living, often require fewer limitations during production, conservation or use of the product. This opens the way to a multitude of new applications, such as the integration of postbiotics in the production of kibbles for pets⁴ or in cosmetic products for cutaneous application. ⁵

Another advantage of postbiotics is that they can be obtained from a wider range of microorganisms, not just probiotics or food-validated microorganisms.

However, postbiotics have certain limitations compared to probiotics, particularly with regard to long-term efficacy. Since postbiotics are not living, they cannot reproduce and colonize the host’s intestinal flora. This limits their beneficial effect to the period of consumption, unlike probiotics, whose effects can be prolonged over the long term⁵ . The still recent development of postbiotics means that there are still challenges to be met, especially in terms of production and quantification. Experts are working to standardize processes to make them reproducible and quantifiable with a view to marketing.

Together, we have seen the major advances that postbiotics represent in various fields. Their stability and wide range of applications make them a natural, sustainable alternative to many of the chemicals still used in agriculture and nutrition. They also continue to make their mark in human and animal health, with applications even broader than those of probiotics. Although their development is still in its infancy, postbiotics have undeniable potential, and their presence in our everyday products will soon be indispensable.

Did you know?  More sustainable broiler production with postbiotics is possible!

Just imagine: the global broiler market will reach 181 million tonnes in 2050 (+104% vs. 2010)! One of the most pressing challenges in broiler production is its massive carbon footprint. In the USA, for example, feed production accounts for 74% of the carbon footprint, hence the need for forward-thinking nutritional strategies to improve the sustainability of farms. Based on trials carried out on different continents, the Phileo by Lesaffre business unit carried out a life cycle assessment (LCA) on Safmannan® postbiotic, derived from a patented yeast strain recognized for improving overall production performance. The LCA results show that supplementing broiler feed with Safmannan® helps to reduce the carbon footprint per kg of chicken by 8.4%, water use by 7.7% and soil use by 8.7%. In addition to this sustainable benefit for the poultry industry, Safmannan® supports profitability for poultry producers, with a positive return on investment (ROI) of up to 6:1. For more information on the benefits of this popular poultry probiotic, please read this article.