SYNBIOTICS: THE POWER COUPLE

The human gut microbiome is like a bustling metropolis, teaming with trillions of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Surprisingly, these tiny inhabitants play a vital role in keeping us healthy and thriving. While prebiotics and probiotics have long been recognized for their gut-improving potential, a new superstar has emerged: synbiotics. Synbiotics are the dynamic duo of gut health, combining prebiotics and probiotics in a powerful symbiotic relationship that nourishes and boosts beneficial gut bacteria.

Prebiotics are like gourmet treats for specific friendly bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. They are non-digestible carbohydrates found in foods like chicory root, onions, garlic, bananas, and whole grains. Think of them as the VIP invitation that stimulates the growth and activity of these good bacteria, creating a harmonious gut environment.

On the other hand, probiotics are live superheroes that provide health benefits when consumed in sufficient amounts. Common strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as in supplements. These beneficial microorganisms join forces to fortify our gut defenses.

Synbiotics, the Ultimate Power Couple By combining prebiotics and probiotics, synbiotics take gut health to the next level. Their united front enhances the survival and effectiveness of probiotics within the gut, delivering even more substantial health benefits compared to using either component alone. Gibson and Roberfroid coined the term "synbiotics" in 1995, defining it as "a mixture of live microorganisms and substrate(s) selectively utilized by host microorganisms, which provides a health benefit to the host." It has evolved, and the latest definition was given by ISAPP in 2020: “a mixture comprising live microorganisms and substrate(s) selectively utilized by host microorganisms that confers a health benefit on the host”. According to their findings, synbiotics were classified into two categories: complementary and synergistic. A "synergistic synbiotic" is designed in such a way that the co-administered microorganism(s) can utilize its base in a specific manner. On the other hand, a "complementary synbiotic" consists of a probiotic and a prebiotic and is formulated to target existing pathogens in the body. Both components of a complementary synbiotic need to meet the minimum requirements for the probiotic and prebiotic that are already available on the market. In the case of synergistic synbiotics, the study demonstrating their health benefits must also demonstrate the selective utilization of the substrate.

The potential of synbiotics to enhance a variety of health issues has been noted in numerous studies.

• Improved Gut Health: Synbiotics improve gut health by stimulating the multiplication and activity of good bacteria. The digestive and intestinal systems can both benefit from this.
• Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common use for synbiotics because numerous studies have demonstrated their efficacy in reducing IBS symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Synbiotic supplements have shown considerable symptom relief and increased quality of life in randomized controlled studies for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Relief for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Synbiotics have the potential to alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, in patients. They have the potential to lessen inflammation, promote intestinal lining mending, and enhance general gut function.
• Mental Well-Being: Emerging evidence reveals a robust relationship between gut health and mental well-being, which has important implications for both. Synbiotics have shown positive results in studies investigating their effects on mood, anxiety, and psychological health. The gut-brain axis is an important part of this connection.
• Enhanced Immune Function: Improved immunity comes from having a balanced microbiome in the digestive tract. By increasing the population of helpful bacteria and adjusting immunological activity, synbiotics can boost the body's defenses against pathogens and improve immunity in general.
• Potential for Weight Management: Synbiotics may help with weight management through modulating metabolism and appetite, according to preliminary research. Synbiotic supplementation, which alters gut bacteria, may aid in weight management.
• Improved Nutrient Absorption: By encouraging the development of good bacteria in the gut that are accountable for breaking down and metabolizing specific nutrients, synbiotics can improve nutrient absorption. This can help your body make the most of the nutrients it takes in.

Apart from their health perks, synbiotics also hold promise in the food industry. Benefits of Synbiotics in the Food Industry:

• Functional Foods: By adding synbiotics to foods, we can make foods that go beyond merely satisfying our nutritional needs and offer additional advantages to our health. These foods improve digestive health and general wellness.
• Gut Health Promotion: Manufacturers can help consumers maintain or even improve their gut health by introducing synbiotics into food formulations. The synergistic effect of synbiotics is to increase the population of beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn improves the gut microbiome.
• Enhanced Nutritional Value: Adding synbiotics to food products increases their nutritional value. Synbiotics provide a source of beneficial bacteria and prebiotic fibers, which can enhance the nutrient composition of the food and offer additional health benefits to consumers.
• Expanded Product Offerings: Incorporating synbiotics allows food manufacturers to expand their product offerings and cater to the growing demand for functional foods. These innovative products attract health-conscious consumers seeking options that support their well-being.
• Consumer Appeal: Consumers who put a premium on digestive health and general well-being tend to be drawn to functional foods containing synbiotics for these reasons. Manufacturers can attract health-conscious consumers and set themselves apart from competitors by emphasizing the existence of synbiotics in their products.
• Market Potential: The incorporation of synbiotics in food products taps into a rapidly growing market for functional foods and supplements. This presents an opportunity for food manufacturers to meet consumer demand and stay competitive in the industry.
• Diversified Applications: Synbiotics can be incorporated into a wide range of food products, including dairy, beverages, snacks, and supplements. This versatility allows manufacturers to explore various product categories and capitalize on different consumer preferences.
• Innovation and Differentiation: By utilizing synbiotics, food companies can demonstrate their commitment to innovation and meeting consumer needs. They can differentiate themselves in the market by offering products that provide both nutrition and health benefits.

However, selecting appropriate prebiotics and probiotics is crucial for realizing synbiotics' benefits. For optimal performance, it is essential to choose strains that can survive the acidic and alkaline environments of the digestive tract and that are also compatible with one another. Different people will have different reactions to synbiotics, so it is best to consult with a doctor before beginning a supplement regimen. In order to accurately convey the presence and benefits of synbiotics, it is crucial that food manufacturers maintain the viability and stability of synbiotics in their products and adhere to all applicable legislation and labeling standards.

To sum up, synbiotics represent a promising new direction in the study of gut health and the nutrition of the human body. Synbiotics have the potential to provide a greater health benefit than either prebiotics or probiotics alone. To fully understand the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics and how they might be applied in the food sector, more study is needed.

-- Dr Priyanka Parhi