Get ahead of the competition by understanding how prebiotics, probiotics, and the emerging postbiotics market can impact your brand’s growth.

Prebiotics vs. Probiotics – A Brand Owner’s Guide

By Rick
Handel
01/31/2025
review

New dietary supplement brand owners often ask us about prebiotics vs. probiotics.

Understanding the difference between prebiotic and probiotic ingredients is essential if you plan to include them in a new dietary supplement formulation or enhance an existing one. This article will cover the basics of prebiotics and probiotics, explore the gut microbiome, discuss the benefits of taking pre-and probiotics together, highlight market trends, introduce postbiotics, analyze market demand, and offer guidance on selecting a reliable contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for your prebiotics and probiotics.

Decoding the Gut Microbiome: The Foundation of Your Health

The term “gut microbiome” refers to the ecosystem of microorganisms that reside in the intestines. These include friendly as well as unfriendly bacteria and yeast and other microorganisms too. Generally, the gut microbiota is composed of 6 phyla (i.e., groups) including Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes (Bacillus), Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia, among which Firmicutes (e.g., Lactobacillus) and Bacteroidetes (e.g., Bacillus), are the major types¹.

The gut microbiome plays a vital role in digestion by breaking down complex carbohydrates, proteins, and, to a lesser extent, fats that reach the lower gastrointestinal tract. This process produces numerous metabolites from beneficial bacteria, which can act locally in the gut and systemically after being absorbed into the bloodstream. These metabolites have a wide range of positive effects on human health, contributing to overall well-being.² For example, they can act to modulate the immune system by impacting the physiology and gene expression of cells in the body. Some of the well-known metabolites include lactic acid and butyric acid.

The gut microbiome includes friendly bacteria, known as probiotics, that live in or pass through the digestive system. Prebiotics are sources of food that help to nourish the probiotics so they can flourish in the gut, helping to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Prebiotics vs Probiotics: Understanding the Difference

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are officially defined as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”³ In most cases, probiotics consist of friendly bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum. However, there are also some yeast-derived probiotics such as Saccharomyces boulardii and S. cerevisiae.

Probiotics can be found in various fermented foods, including yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and pickled vegetables.⁴ Likewise, dietary supplements are primary sources of probiotics. According to an International Food Information Council survey⁵ of 1,000 adults, over half consider themselves familiar with probiotics, and one in three actively try to consume them. In fact, 44% of people using probiotics seek them out in supplements. Probiotic supplements are commonly offered in popular delivery formats such as capsules, chewable tablets, powders and sachets.

In addition to the previously mentioned benefits of helping to digest food and promoting immune health, probiotics also help to synthesize vitamins such as B vitamins and vitamin K2⁶ ⁷. The human large intestine has specialized transport systems that facilitate the absorption of these microbially synthesized water-soluble vitamins.⁸

What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are officially defined as “a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit.”⁹ In other words, they act as food for probiotics. Prebiotics are typically long-chain, fiber compounds digested by the friendly probiotic bacteria, nourishing them, stimulating their growth or activity and helping them to colonize the large intestine.¹⁰ Benefits of prebiotics include helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels already in a normal range¹¹ ¹², improving occasional constipation¹³ ¹⁴, promoting satiety/a feeling of fullness¹⁵, helping improve skin appearance including a reduction in wrinkles and skin moisture loss¹⁶.

As supplements, prebiotics may be offered in capsule form, or they may be provided as powders and sachets.

Can You Take Probiotics and Prebiotics Supplements Together?

Probiotics and prebiotics can be taken together. As supplements, this combination is typically referred to as synbiotics (i.e., synergistic biotics). A synbiotic combination makes sense on several levels. First, prebiotics nourish probiotics, providing a strong foundation for combining the two. Second, prebiotics help expand the existing colonies of probiotics residing in the gut, so the use of a synbiotic combination has the potential to result in greater overall microbiome diversity in the gut. Lastly, synbiotic combinations offer the combined benefits of both prebiotics and probiotics, allowing for broader structure/function claims and improving consumer satisfaction with the product.

Whether taken alone or together, it’s important to note that high temperatures can reduce the viability of some live probiotic strains, while cooler temperatures, such as refrigeration, are better for preserving the survival of certain probiotics.¹⁷ USP data¹⁸ also indicate that survival is generally good with probiotics when stored at a temperature between 68°–77° F, such as might be the case in a temperature-controlled room.

If you sell your products through Amazon, it should be noted that their warehouse may be maintained at a higher temperature than probiotics can survive.

Navigating Market Trends for Prebiotics and Probiotics Supplements

Consumer demand for probiotics is enormous. The probiotics market size is expected to reach $213.1 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2023 to 2032.¹⁹ In addition, the global prebiotic market is expected to reach a valuation of $6.67 billion by 2023, recording a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2033.²⁰

In supplements, the most common probiotic strains are found with the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria genera.

Lactobacilli refers to a group of lactic acid producing, friendly bacteria²¹ ²² that make up many of the 400 normal probiotic species in the human body.²³ ²⁴ ²⁵ ²⁶ ²⁷ Lactobacilli provide many benefits. These include increasing the bioavailability of minerals²⁸, stabilizing the mucosal barrier and decreasing intestinal permeability²⁹ ³⁰, and maintaining a balance of healthy bacteria vs. undesirable bacteria by producing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide³¹ ³² ³³. Some of the more popular Lactobacillus strains include L. acidophillus DDS-1 and L. rhamnosus GG.

Bifidobacteria normally colonize in the human colon³⁴ ³⁵ and produce lactic acid. These probiotics are important in helping to create a microbial barrier to undesirable substances.³⁶ ³⁷ In fact, some species of Bifidobacteria bind to the intestinal mucosa and interfere with the attachment of undesirable substances.³⁸ ³⁹ Since Bifidobacteria disappear from the feces within 2 weeks after discontinuing supplementation, this suggests that there is no long-term colonization⁴⁰ ⁴¹ so Bifidobacteria must be used regularly to achieve a continued benefit. Some of the more popular Bifidobacteria strains include Bifidobacterium lactis BI-07 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 BPL1.

Examples of popular prebiotics include fructoologosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and xylooligosaccharides (XOS). Others include Sunfiber and Inulin. In addition, there is a body of research⁴² demonstrating that plant polyphenols have a prebiotic effect. In fact, the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics has officially recognized polyphenols as prebiotic.⁴³

Trends Driving the Growth in Pre and Probiotic Market

The trends driving the growth in pre- and probiotic markets include consumer awareness of gut health benefits⁴⁴. In addition, the trend toward personalized nutrition includes probiotic solutions for individual health needs and is also driving growth⁴⁵. There is also a growing preference for products that support digestive health and immunity, fueled by a broader wellness movement.⁴⁶

Rising awareness of healthy lifestyles and increasing disposable incomes are likewise pivotal factors driving the growth of the probiotics market in U.S. As consumers become more informed about the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and overall wellness, there is a heightened focus on incorporating products that support long-term health, such as pre- and probiotics. This awareness is further impacted by readily available access to health information through digital platforms, healthcare providers, and wellness influencers. This combination of health consciousness and financial capability is driving greater demand for probiotic products as people are increasingly willing to invest in their health and prioritize preventative care, driving market growth across the U.S.⁴⁷

What About Postbiotics?

Although this article is about pro- and prebiotics, it would be incomplete if we omitted postbiotics in the discussion. A postbiotic may be defined as one of two things. The first is a metabolite produced by a probiotic. For example, many probiotics produce the short-chain fatty acid butyric acid or butyrate—this would be one of several metabolite-type postbiotics. The second is a thermal-treated probiotic that is no longer alive but still confers a beneficial effect—a sort of zombie probiotic if you will. While both definitions are legitimate, this discussion will focus on the second definition.

Postbiotic Examples

As an example, consider a thermal-treated Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotic strain. Research has demonstrated the following benefits associated with this postbiotic:

Acquired Immunity – A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study⁴⁸ was conducted in sixty healthy subjects. Results were that the thermal-treated Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotic strain augmented acquired immunity, especially Th1-related immune functions in healthy subjects, thereby improving the health-related quality of life.
Upper Respiratory Tract Health – A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study⁴⁹ was conducted in seventy-eight healthy subjects. Results were that the thermal-treated Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotic strain helped promote upper respiratory health by augmenting immunity.
Periodontal Health – A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial⁵⁰ was conducted in 39 adults. Results were that the thermal-treated Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotic strain helped promote periodontal health.

Another postbiotic example is pasteurized Akkermansium muciniphila. A. muciniphila has been shown to support metabolic health, helps activate GLP-1 inducing protein, help decrease body weight, and help decrease hip and waist size⁵¹.

Market Demand Analysis

When planning to develop probiotic products for your supplement line, it is important to understand the needs of specific populations. Consider the following:

Inflammation – If you’d like to target a population experiencing temporary inflammation due to physical overexertion, consider the combined use of Bifidobacterium breve BR03 and Streptococcus thermophilus FP4 which have been shown to help in this situation, helping to prevent decreases in performance while reducing muscle tension following exercise.⁵²
Skin Health – If you’d like to target women (or men) who’d like to improve skin glow, firmness, and clarity, while reducing redness, skin pores and dryness, then Bifidobacterium longum BB536 is a good choice as research has demonstrated benefits in these areas.⁵³
Sleep – If you’d like to target a population trying to promote sleep quality, then consider the combination of Lactobacillus fermentum LF16, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR06, Lactobacillus plantarum LP01, Bifidobacterium Lactobacillus longum BL04. This probiotic combination has research to support better sleep quality.⁵⁴
Weight Control – There has been a lot of buzz around probiotic vs prebiotic for weight loss. If you’d like to target this population, Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 has been clinically tested to help maintain a healthy weight.⁵⁵
Women’s Health – If you plan on targeting women’s health, consider the use of L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus, which can survive passage through the digestive system to successfully colonize vaginal cells⁵⁶. Likewise, Lactobacillus crispatus was found in the urinary microbiota of healthy women⁵⁷.

Of course, these are only some of the populations you may be interested in targeting. A good CDMO can help you in choosing appropriate probiotic strains for your target population.

Why Choose Vitaquest for Prebiotic and Probiotic Manufacturing?

Vitaquest is a contract development and manufacturing organization that has provided supplement brands with exceptional supplement research and development, manufacturing, packaging design, and fulfillment solutions for over 45 years.

In addition to these services, Vitaquest specializes in agglomeration, with a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility for this process. Agglomeration involves transforming fine powders into larger granules, improving handling, flow, and mixability into solution. Probiotic agglomeration can be particularly beneficial for preventing pathogen colonization on surfaces, preserving supplements, and positively impacting the intestinal microbiota.⁵⁸

Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or aiming to diversify your product range, Vitaquest possesses the expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and solutions needed to swiftly and effectively turn your pre- and probiotic supplement concepts into reality. Vitaquest offers a variety of dosage forms, including capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, oral disintegrating tablets (OTD), powders and its proprietary QFizz™ effervescent technology. Furthermore, you’ll receive an exceptional level of customer support.

Vitaquest also has expertise in domestic and international regulatory standards, as well as sustainability practices. Sourcing sustainable ingredients and using eco-friendly manufacturing processes can enhance brand appeal.  Our FDA cGMP compliance – as well as third-party GMP certification from NSF, USP and others – provides assurance to both brand owners and consumers that we meet industry regulations and standards. Likewise, our ability to offer Kosher, Halal, certified organic products, and FSSC 22000 Global Food Safety certification are indicative of Vitaquest’s dedication to manufacturing excellence.

Conclusion

This article provided an overview of prebiotics vs. probiotics as growing dietary supplement categories. It also helped you understand why specific probiotics are preferred for conferring health benefits to specific populations, and it illustrated the need to choose an experienced probiotic manufacturing company for your products.

Are you ready to capitalize on the probiotic and prebiotic supplement trends? If so, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives or request a nutraceutical manufacturing price quote if you’ve already finalized your project requirements!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Probiotics vs. Prebiotics

Q: Is it better to take prebiotics or probiotics?

The answer is that it’s not an either/or issue. Probiotics help repopulate the gut with friendly bacteria which provide a range of benefits. Prebiotics are a source of food/nourishment for the probiotics, helping them to grow and be healthy. The best approach is to use both probiotics and prebiotics.*

Q: How do you know if you need prebiotics?

Poor diet and the use of antibiotics may impact the balance of friendly bacteria in your gut, which may improve with the use of probiotics. Signs that you may benefit from a probiotic product include digestive issues like temporary bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea, mood and sleep disturbances, and fatigue.*

Q: Can you take probiotics and prebiotics together?

Absolutely! In fact, it is recommended that you do so. While probiotics are the heavy hitters that provide a range of health/wellness benefits, they need a source of food/nourishment so that they can grow and be healthy. Prebiotics are the ideal food source to help probiotics do just that.*

Q: Who should not take prebiotics?

For some people, the use of specific prebiotics at higher doses (such as FOS) may lead to temporary gas or bloating. However, lower doses of other prebiotics (such as XOS) tend to have a much lower incidence of any gastrointestinal issues, and so may be a better choice for this purpose.*

Q: What are the benefits of prebiotics over probiotics?

Prebiotics serve as food and nourishment for probiotic organisms. As such, studies have shown that they can actually help expand the levels of specific probiotic species in the gut. If you’re a brand owner, the advantage of using prebiotics in your supplement is that you don’t have to worry about their stability since they are long-chain fibrous carbohydrate and not subject to degradation as are live probiotics.

Q: What happens when you take probiotics without prebiotics?

That depends. If you are already consuming foods that naturally contain prebiotics, all should be well. If you are not, however, then the probiotics won’t have a source of food and, therefore, will die off for lack of nourishment. Consequently, it is best to use prebiotics alongside probiotics.*

Q: What is the best prebiotic and probiotic combination?

There is no single “best combination” of prebiotics and probiotics. Regarding probiotics, there are many strains which address a broad range of human health and wellness concerns. Certain strains address certain concerns. Conversely, concerning prebiotics, virtually all of them service as a source of food and nourishment for the probiotic strains. Examples include fructoologosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), xylooligosaccharides (XOS), Sunfiber, inulin and many plant polyphenols.*

*If you are using any prescription medications or have a medical condition, consult with your physician prior to adding any new dietary supplements to your health regimen.

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Rick

Handel

Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations

Rick Handel is a 50-year veteran of the nutraceutical industry, with a strong background in formulation, R&D and GMP manufacturing of dietary supplements. Rick is celebrating 30 years with industry-leading supplement manufacturer Vitaquest International, where he currently serves as Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations. In that capacity, Rick is responsible for driving sales and innovation by identifying and developing new strategies, business opportunities, science-backed ingredients, and novel delivery technologies. Rick holds eight patents and has presented his published scientific papers and studies at conferences around the world.

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VITAQUEST’S TURNKEY CAPABILITIES

Capabilities

Contract Manufacturing

Product Development

Formulation Design

Supplement Packaging Design

Fulfillment

Powder & Particle Engineering Services

Idea2Market

Vitaquest currently manufactures over 4,000 products for more than 500 brands around the world!

VITAQUEST’S CONTRACT MANUFACTURING SERVICES

Capsule Supplements

Powder Supplement Manufacturer

Tablet Supplements

Sports Nutrition

Probiotics, Prebiotics and Postbiotics

Vitamins

Collagen Supplements

Keto Supplements

Creatine Supplements

Bodybuilding Supplements

BCAA Supplements

Herbal Supplements

Pet Supplements

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VITAQUEST’s COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

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Ingredient Identity

Finished Product Assurance

Differentiating to Grow

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Quality Manufacturing & Product Development You Can Trust

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