What Are Synbiotics?

"Synbiotic" is one of those terms that sounds more complicated than it is. This guide explains what it means, where you encounter it, and what it does not imply.

The Definition

A synbiotic combines the two categories described elsewhere on this site:

• Probiotics - live microorganisms, typically bacteria or yeasts, found in fermented foods and probiotic supplements
• Prebiotics - fibers and similar compounds, such as inulin, FOS and GOS, that gut microorganisms can use as food

The logic of the combination is straightforward: the prebiotic is included as a substrate for the microorganisms, whether those added as probiotics or already living in the gut. In the scientific literature, researchers distinguish "complementary" synbiotics (where each component works independently) from "synergistic" ones (where the prebiotic is chosen specifically to be used by the co-administered probiotic). For consumers, the practical takeaway is simply that the product contains both types of ingredients.

Where You See Synbiotics

1. Supplements that combine a probiotic strain or strains with a fiber such as inulin or FOS in one product.
2. Fermented foods with added fiber, such as yogurts that list inulin on the ingredient panel.
3. Greens powders and similar blends that include both probiotic cultures and prebiotic fibers among their ingredients.

What the Term Does Not Mean

This is the part worth being careful about:

• Synbiotic does not mean tested. A product can use the term as long as it contains both ingredient types. Whether that specific combination has been studied is a separate question.
• Synbiotic does not guarantee compatibility. The mere presence of a fiber and a culture in the same container does not tell you how they behave together in a real product over its shelf life.
• Synbiotic is not a promise of a result. Research on particular strain-and-fiber combinations applies to those combinations, not automatically to every product using the label. As a general principle, research on specific ingredients does not by itself establish what any finished commercial product will do.

Reading a Synbiotic Product Label

• Identify the probiotic component: strain names (genus, species, strain) and the CFU count, which is usually stated at the time of manufacture.
• Identify the prebiotic component: the named fiber and its grams per serving.
• Check storage directions: live cultures often have temperature or moisture requirements.
• Check the expiration date: CFU counts are typically highest at manufacture and decline over time.
• Read warnings and directions: standard on any legitimate supplement label.

The Takeaway

A synbiotic is simply a combination of probiotics and prebiotics in one product or food. The term tells you what is in the product, not what the product has been shown to do. Reading the actual strain names, fiber types and amounts gives you far more useful information than the category name on the front of the package.

If you want to see how these terms look on a real label, the Pro-Active Greens category on MarketPlace Global lists the current formula and ingredient details.