Probiotics vs

Prebiotics
Differences and Similarities
Advantages and Disadvantages
Latest Trends

Sabangan, A. K.1, Soriano, J. A.2,

Tapang, M. C. S.3, Teñoso, A.4
Differences and Similarities
Probiotics Similarities Prebiotics

Helps in the gastrointestinal tract

Contains live microorganisms Specialized plant fibers (non-living things)
(i.e., digestion)

Acts as a primary defense in the digestive Aids in enhancing immune Acts as a food source of
tract system probiotics

Absorbed; Intrinsic and extrinsic properties

Cannot be digested by the body and is not
may affect the effectivity
affected by intrinsic and extrinsic properties
(i.e., pH and temperature)
Can be added together to produce
“synbiotic”

Yogurt (e.g., Yakult: Lactobacillus casei High-fiber foods (e. g.,

strain Shirota), Kimchi, Kombucha, etc. banana, whole grains, etc.)
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages

In the US, Clinical use of probiotics undergo strict

Probiotic balances the good bacteria in the gut
requirements and testing

Probiotic strengthens immune system - inhibits growth of

Health claims of probiotic products are not allowed
harmful bacteria

Greater risks to people with severe illnesses & weak immune

Consumption of prebiotic leads to improved digestion
systems

Can possibly cause infection & transfer of antibiotic resistance

Less antibiotic-related health issues
genes
Latest Trends

Advancements Limitations

Research challenges regarding probiotics intake levels and

regulation

Studies regarding the probiotics and Metabolic disorders

Lack of cheap and well-studied strains for both

Insufficient research on possible effects of prebiotics and

Therapeutic potential due to emerging field of biotechnology
probiotics consumption
 REFERENCES
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Gulzar, N., Saleem, I. M. , Rafiq, S., & Nadeem, M. (2019). Therapeutic Potential of Probiotics and Prebiotics. In (Ed.), Oral Health by Using Probiotic Products. IntechOpen.
https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86762

Kothari, D., Patel, S., & Kim, S. K. (2019, March). Probiotic supplements might not be universally-effective and safe: A review. Biomedicine &Amp; Pharmacotherapy, 111, 537–547.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.12.104

Li, X. (2022). Current Status of Probiotics as Supplements in the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2022.789063/full

National Institutes of Health (2019) Probiotics: What you need to know. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know#:~:text=Possible%20harmful%20effects%20of
%20probiotics,microorganisms%20in%20the%20digestive%20tract.

Palsdottir, H. (2022). 11 Probiotic Foods That Are Super Healthy. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-super-healthy-probiotic-foods

Partl, J. (2016). The Benefits Of Probiotics And Prebiotics. https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/the-benefits-of-probiotics-and-prebiotics

Sutula, J., Coulthwaite, L. A., Thomas, L. V., & Verran, J. (2013). The effect of a commercial probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota on oral health in healthy dentate people.
Microbial ecology in health and disease, 24, 10.3402/mehd.v24i0.21003. https://doi.org/10.3402/mehd.v24i0.21003

Westphalen, D. (2018). What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323490

Yoo, J. Y., & Kim, S. S. (2016). Probiotics and Prebiotics: Present Status and Future Perspectives on Metabolic Disorders. Nutrients, 8(3), 173. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8030173

Zeratsky, K. (2022). What are probiotics and prebiotics?. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/probiotics/faq-20058065#:~:text=
Probiotics%20are%20foods%20or%20supplements,as%20food%20for%20human%20microflora.