Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the "good" bacteria (normal microflora) in the body. Prebiotics are foods (typically high-fiber foods) that act as food for human microflora. Prebiotics are used with the intention of improving the balance of these microorganisms.
Probiotics are in foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut. Prebiotics are in foods such as whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans and artichokes. In addition, probiotics and prebiotics are added to some foods and available as dietary supplements.
Research is ongoing into the relationship of the gut microflora to disease. The health benefits of currently available probiotics and prebiotics have not been conclusively proved.
However, side effects are rare, and most healthy adults can safely add foods that contain prebiotics and probiotics to their diets. Future research may lead to advanced probiotics with greater potential to improve health.
If you're considering taking supplements, check with your doctor to be sure they're right for you.
From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.
To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.
July 02, 2022
- Probiotics: In depth. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics/introduction.htm. Accessed May 7, 2018.
- Khanna S, et al. A clinician's primer on the role of the microbiome in human health and disease. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2014;89:107.
- Dubberke ER, et al. Results from a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of a RBX2660-a microbiota-based drug for the prevention of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. Clinical Infectious Diseases. In press. Accessed May 23, 2018.
See more Expert Answers
.
FAQs
Taking prebiotics and probiotics together can help prevent gut flora imbalances. This approach may also benefit people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
What happens when you first start taking probiotics and prebiotics? ›
When first using probiotics, some people experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Changes in the gut microbiota can result in bacteria producing more gas than usual, which can lead to bloating. However, these side effects usually clear up within a few days or weeks of taking the probiotics.
How do you know if prebiotics and probiotics are working? ›
If you're taking probiotics for a specific purpose, and the probiotics are working, you should be able to tell that you're feeling better. For example, if you're taking them to help relieve constipation or diarrhea, you should notice your poops becoming more regulated over time.
What should you take first prebiotic and a probiotic? ›
You can take your prebiotic around the same time that you take your probiotic, but you'll want to space them out around 10 to 15 minutes. Otherwise, the two could interact too early, before they reach the large intestine which may lead to bloating. It's best to take your probiotic first, on an empty stomach.
Should you take prebiotics probiotics at night or in the morning? ›
One factor to consider is that in the morning, prebiotics may have a smoother digestion route since your body is waking from an overnight fast. On the other hand, if you have a sensitive stomach (IBS besties, we see you!), taking prebiotics before bed allows you to sleep through any uncomfortable side effects.
Who should not take prebiotics and probiotics? ›
Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects. The people most likely to have trouble are those with immune system problems, people who've had surgery, and others who are critically ill. Don't take probiotics if you have any of those issues.
Why do cardiologists warn against probiotics? ›
But, when it comes to pre-and probiotics, cardiologists are warning they aren't a treatment for elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, or other heart health markers. The health benefits of probiotics are also strain-specific, so taking any probiotic off the shelf won't guarantee results.
Is there a downside to taking probiotics? ›
Possible harmful effects of probiotics include infections, production of harmful substances by the probiotic microorganisms, and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from probiotic microorganisms to other microorganisms in the digestive tract.
What to avoid when taking probiotics? ›
FOODS TO AVOID WHEN YOU TAKE A PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT
- Carbonated Drinks.
- Processed Foods.
- Genetically Modified GMO FOODS.
- Red Meat.
- Gluten-Rich Foods.
- Refined Oils.
- Dairy Foods.
- Tap Water.
Prebiotics exert an osmotic effect in the intestinal lumen and are fermented in the colon. They may induce gaseousness and bloating. Abdominal pain and diarrhea only occur with large doses.
The short answer: It takes most people 2 to 3 weeks to feel significant benefits when they start taking probiotics. That's because probiotics need time to accomplish their three key goals: increase your good bacteria count, decrease your bad bacteria count, and reduce inflammation.
What is the best prebiotic and probiotic combination? ›
The Best Probiotic + Prebiotic Combos on the Market
- Best for Gut Health: Digestive Vibrance by Vibrant Health.
- Best for Women's Urinary Tract: MegaFlora Women's Probiotic + Prebiotic by MegaFood.
- Best for Mental Health: Dr. ...
- Best for Healthy Skin: Skin Squad Pre+Probiotic by HUM Nutrition.
Several strains of probiotics in both the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium family have been shown to reduce weight and belly fat. Lactobacillus gasseri appears to be one of the most effective.
How long can you take probiotics and prebiotics for? ›
For chronic conditions or general immune health, it may be most beneficial to take probiotics for weeks or months at a time. Most people can tolerate probiotics well, and they can help restore or balance the healthy gut microbiome.
What is a powerful combination of prebiotics and probiotics? ›
Synbiotics combine both probiotics and prebiotics, creating a synergistic effect that supports the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria. This can be a convenient option for comprehensive gut health. Optimize your gut health with our powerful Synbiotic formula!
How long does it take for prebiotics and probiotics to start working? ›
The short answer: It takes most people 2 to 3 weeks to feel significant benefits when they start taking probiotics. That's because probiotics need time to accomplish their three key goals: increase your good bacteria count, decrease your bad bacteria count, and reduce inflammation.
Which is more important, probiotics or prebiotics? ›
The take home message being that if you are looking to support the health of your gut microbiome you should reach for the prebiotics first. Prebiotics will nourish the beneficial microbes that make up the microbiota.
