In answering the question, “what are synbiotics?”, you must understand the gut health business is “an unstoppable health trend”, and “one of the single biggest changes to hit the food and drinks industry in recent decades”, according to an article in Food Navigator1Eastlake D. Gut health business is booming: What’s next for this unstoppable health trend. Food Navigator Europe. Last updated on 21-Mark-2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024 from https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2024/03/20/Gut-health-business-is-booming-What-s-next-for-this-unstoppable-health-trend..
This trend may be attributed to the discovery of gut microflora and the concept of the microbiome that entered the wider public consciousness, according to the same article. This makes sense considering four in every ten adults suffer from functional gastrointestinal disorders of varying severity2Henderson E. Study shows global prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders. News Medicine Life Sciences. May 27, 2020. Retrieved June 24, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200527/Study-shows-global-prevalence-of-functional-gastrointestinal-disorders.aspx#:~:text=For%20every%20ten%20adults%20in,gastrointestinal%20disorders%20of%20varying%20severity., and synbiotics—the combination of probiotics and prebiotics—offer a promising new frontier in gut health management. For these reasons, it’s no wonder why consumer demand for high-quality and well-formulated synbiotic supplement products is on the rise.
What are Synbiotic Supplements?
As previously stated, synbiotics (i.e., synergistic biotics) are a combination of pre-and probiotics. A synbiotic combination makes sense on a couple of levels. First, prebiotics feed and nurture probiotics, so there is a good rationale for the combination of the two. This offers a potentially synergistic effect on the gut microbiome.
The microbiome is defined as the collection of all microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes, that naturally live on our bodies and inside us.3Microbiome. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Last Reviewed: March 22, 2024. Retrieved June 21, 2024 from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/science/microbiome#:~:text=Introduction,to%20human%20health%20and%20wellness. The gut microbiome has many functions, including acting as part of the digestive system, promoting energy recovery from the metabolism of non-digestible components of foods, protection of a host from pathogenic invasion, and modulation of the immune system.4Bull MJ, Plummer NT. Part 1: The Human Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(6):17-22. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences states, “Differences in the microbiome may lead to different health effects from environmental exposures and may also help determine individual susceptibility to certain illnesses.”5Microbiome. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Last Reviewed: March 22, 2024. Retrieved June 21, 2024 from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/science/microbiome#:~:text=Introduction,to%20human%20health%20and%20wellness.
The synbiotic combination of pre-and probiotics can be provided in different delivery forms. In most cases, these include capsules and powders, but they may also include fast-melt tablets.
What is the Difference Between a Synbiotic vs. Probiotic?
Besides the obvious fact that synbiotics are a combination of pre-and probiotics, let’s look at the differences between these components.
Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”6Probiotics. ISAPP. Retrieved June 19, 2024 from https://isappscience.org/for-consumers/learn/probiotics/. Prebiotics are typically fiber compounds that human beings cannot digest. However, prebiotics can be digested by the friendly probiotic bacteria that reside in our gut nourishing them, stimulating their growth or activity, and helping them to colonize the large intestine.7Prebiotics. ISAPP. Retrieved June 19, 2024 from https://isappscience.org/for-consumers/learn/prebiotics/ 8Hutkins RW, Krumbeck JA, Bindels LB, Cani PD, Fahey G Jr, Goh YJ, Hamaker B7, Martens EC, Mills DA, Rastal RA, Vaughan E, Sanders ME. Prebiotics: why definitions matter. Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2016 Feb;37:1-7. Prebiotics, therefore, nurture the growth of existing beneficial bacteria. Synbiotic combinations of these two important nutrient classes can now be found in the marketplace.
Examples of common commercially available synbiotics include:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and inulin
- Bifidobacteria and fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
- Lactobacilli with FOS or inulin or Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)
What Are the Benefits of Taking Synbiotics Over Probiotics or Prebiotics Alone?
If you’re wondering about the benefits of synbiotics compared to the use of pre- or probiotics alone, consider the following studies.
- A double-blind, randomized controlled trial9Mahboobipour AA, Bitaraf A, Mohammadi P, Khosravifar M, Babaei H, Shahidolahi A. Effects of synbiotics on necrotizing enterocolitis and full enteral feeding in very low birth weight infants: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024;103(37):e39647. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000039647 in infants found that a combination of the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium infantis, along with 3% fructooligosaccharides helped promote healthy gut function.
- In another study10Dang L, Li D, Mu Q, et al. Youth-derived Lactobacillus rhamnosus with prebiotic xylo-oligosaccharide exhibits anti-hyperlipidemic effects as a novel synbiotic. Food Res Int. 2024;195:114976. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114976, the synbiotic combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus S_82 and xylo-oligosaccharides helped downregulate cholesterol producing genes.
- In a meta-analysis11Lázaro Á, Vila-Donat P, Manyes L. Emerging mycotoxins and preventive strategies related to gut microbiota changes: probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics – a systematic review. Food Funct. 2024;15(18):8998-9023. Published 2024 Sep 16. doi:10.1039/d4fo01705f of several studies including synbiotic combinations of various probiotics and prebiotics, the synbiotics were found to help support detoxification.
- In another meta-analysis12Pan Y, Yang Y, Wu J, Zhou H, Yang C. Efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on liver enzymes, lipid profiles, and inflammation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Gastroenterol. 2024;24(1):283. Published 2024 Aug 22. doi:10.1186/s12876-024-03356-y, synbiotic supplementation helped promote liver health.
- A triple-blind randomized clinical trial13Matin SS, Shidfar F, Naderi N, Amin A, Hosseini-Baharanchi FS, Dehnad A. The impact of synbiotic on serum sCD163/sTWEAK, paraoxonase 1, and lipoproteins in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomized, triple-blind, controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):19120. Published 2024 Aug 18. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-69560-8 showed that synbiotic supplementation favorably supports markers of healthy heart function.
While there are many more such examples, perhaps the most meaningful one is a study14Raval SD, Archana G. Evaluation of synbiotic combinations of commercial probiotic strains with different prebiotics in vitro and ex vivo human gut microcosm model. Arch Microbiol. 2024;206(7):315. Published 2024 Jun 21. doi:10.1007/s00203-024-04030-3 in which there was a significant increase in the abundance of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria with synbiotic blends compared to pre- or probiotics alone. Hence, synbiotics are preferred over pre- or probiotics alone.
Types of Synbiotics Supplements
According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP)15Swanson KS, Gibson GR, Hutkins R, et al. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of synbiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020; 17: 687–701. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-020-0344-2., there are two types of synbiotics supplements: complementary and synergistic.
Complementary synbiotics are a combination of one or more probiotics and prebiotics that work independently to achieve health benefits. In this case, the probiotic strain is selected based on the benefits it provides, while the prebiotic helps promote the growth and function of the microbiota.
Conversely, synergistic synbiotics are a combination of one or more probiotics and prebiotics where both components work together as a team to confer health benefits. With synergistic synbiotics, the prebiotic is included to be selectively utilized by the probiotic provided. An example would be a synbiotic combination with a Bifidobacteria strain, accompanied by xylooligosaccharide shown to increase Bifidobacteria counts16Finegold SM, Li Z, Summanen PH, Downes J, Thames G, Corbett K, Dowd S, Krak M, Heber D. Xylooligosaccharide increases bifidobacteria but not lactobacilli in human gut microbiota. Food Funct. 2014 Mar;5(3):436-45..
Market Opportunity and Trends in Synbiotics
The popularity of the synbiotic market is evident in the fact that it reached a valuation of $598.2 million in 2022, jumping to $638.2 million in 2023, and is projected to reach $1.12 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.5%17Synbiotic Product Market. Future Market Insights, Inc. Retrieved September 19, 2024 from https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/synbiotic-products-market .
Key factors driving the growth in the synbiotic market18Synbiotic Product Market. Future Market Insights, Inc. Retrieved September 19, 2024 from https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/synbiotic-products-market includes the link between poor gut health and various issues such as diarrhea, skin irritation, and fatigue. As a result, there’s increasing demand for synbiotic products to combat harmful gut bacteria
Furthermore, harmful gut bacteria can weaken the immune system, but a well-formulated synbiotic supplement can help counteract this. Coupled with the growing consumer trend toward health and wellness products, food, beverage, and supplement items that enhance overall health are becoming increasingly popular, driving synbiotic sales. The dual benefits of probiotics and prebiotics in synbiotics make them particularly appealing to health-conscious consumers, further boosting their popularity.
The potential target audience for the synbiotic market is broad. It includes individuals with digestive issues (i.e., diarrhea, constipation, bloating), athletes, seniors, women, and people concerned with their immune health.
Popular Delivery Formats for Synbiotics Supplements
There are a few different delivery formats for synbiotic supplements. These include:
- Capsules (easy to swallow, versatile)
- Powders (easy to mix into drinks or yogurt, may require specific measuring tools)
- Direct-to Mouth powders (e.g., “pixie sticks”)
- Chewable tablets or gummies (appealing to children or those with swallowing difficulties)
- Oral Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs or “quick melts”) dissolve quickly in the mouth without the need for water
Regarding chewable tablets vs. gummies, consider the issue of stability and storage conditions. Gummies made with gelatin can melt and lose their shape when exposed to temperatures above 90°F. Upon cooling, they may re-solidify into a single, blob-like gummy, becoming sticky and difficult to eat.
Also, gummy supplements can degrade in heat, making them less effective and potentially contaminated with harmful substances. Exposure to heat, light, and moisture can also accelerate the degradation process, causing the probiotics to rapidly lose their potency. This is not a problem with chewable tablets.
Furthermore, chewable tablets are created via direct compression, a method of compressing a powder mixture into tablets without granulating them in a tableting machine. Since there is no prerequisite for the mechanical processing of powders other than the mixing process, it is suitable for moisture and heat-sensitive probiotics as it eliminates the wetting and drying steps in these instances and increases probiotic stability by reducing adverse effects.
Considerations for Supplement Brand Owners
As a brand owner, there are several aspects to consider when planning the development of a synbiotic supplement. These include dosage and uses, storage and shelf-life, strain selection, and regulatory compliance.
Dosage and Uses
The dosage range for synbiotic supplements can vary significantly depending on the probiotic strain and the specific prebiotic being used. Of course, the doses are largely dependent upon the specific strain and the intended health benefit (e.g., digestion, immune support, etc.). In these cases, some probiotics are effective at a few 100 million CFUs, while others require a few billion CFUs for efficacy.
Likewise, effective doses of prebiotics are all over the board. Some require no less than 5 grams, while others can be effective at 1 gram. That is not to say that a lower dose of prebiotics can’t have value, but since lower doses don’t generally have studies to support those levels, brand owners must be careful about the claims they’re making for synbiotic products providing lower doses of prebiotics.
Storage and Shelf-Life Considerations
The International Probiotics Association reported research19Cabello-Olmo M, Oneca M, Torre P, et al. Influence of Storage Temperature and Packaging on Bacteria and Yeast Viability in a Plant-Based Fermented Food. Foods. 2020;9(3):302. Published 2020 Mar 7. doi:10.3390/foods9030302 citing that high temperatures decrease the viability of some live probiotic strains, while low temperatures (like refrigeration) have been reported to be better for the survival of certain probiotics. USP data20<659> Packaging and Storage Requirements. Official Date: 01-May-2017. Retrieved August 29, 2024 from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.uspnf.com/sites/default/files/usp_pdf/EN/USPNF/revisions/659_rb_notice_english.pdf. also indicates the survival is generally good with probiotics when stored between 68° and 77° F, such as might be the case in a temperature-controlled room. If stored properly, shelf stable probiotics tend to last up to 24 months.
Strain Selection
In choosing the right probiotic strain(s) for your synbiotic supplement, it is important to consider these factors:
- Bacillus or other hardy strains – Considering stability, you may wish to utilize strains in those in the Bacillus genus, which are spore-forming. The spore is a naturally occurring protective encasement that allows the probiotic within to survive transit through the stomach and small intestine, thus retaining its potency.21Ngo TH. Characterization of Bacillus Species Used for Oral Bacteriotherapy and Bacterial Prophylaxis of Gastrointestinal Disorders. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2000 Dec;66(12):5241-7. Likewise, other probiotic strains tend to be more hardy and able to better withstand the destructive environment of the stomach and small intestine. An experienced contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) can help you identify appropriate hardy strains available for use in your probiotic supplements.
- Choosing strains for efficacy – Clearly, you’ll want to choose those probiotic strains that provide the benefits you desire for your supplement. While most strains offer support for immune health and gut/digestive health, some species and strains offer other benefits such as increasing the bioavailability of minerals22Madsen KL, Doyle JS, Jewell LD, et al. Lactobacillus species prevents colitis in interleukin 10 gene-deficient mice. Gastroenterology 1999;116:1107-14., supporting cholesterol metabolism23Mazruei Arani N, Emam-Djomeh Z, Tavakolipour H, Sharafati-Chaleshtori R, Soleimani A, Asemi Z. The Effects of Probiotic Honey Consumption on Metabolic Status in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2019;11(4):1195-1201. 24Trotter RE, Vazquez AR, Grubb DS, et al. Bacillus subtilis DE111 intake may improve blood lipids and endothelial function in healthy adults. Benef Microbes. 2020 Nov 15;11(7):621-630., maintain healthy glucose levels already in a normal range 25Labellarte GM, Maher M, Healey A, Deaton J. Tolerance and efficacy of the probiotic DE111® delivered in capsule form. Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Unpublished. 2015:22 pgs., and so much more. Again, an experienced CDMO can help you identify appropriate strains for your requirements.
- Choosing the best prebiotic – As with probiotics, different prebiotics offer different benefits. These include improving occasional constipation26Jeon, JH, Kyung, M, Jung, S, Jo, SE, Chang, MJ. Effect of xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture on defecation frequency and symptoms in young women with constipation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Nutr Health. 2015 Feb;48(1):19-29. Korean. 27Iino T, Nishijima Y, Sawada S, et al. Improvement of constipation by a small amount of Xylooligosaccharides ingestion in adult women. Journal of Japanese Association for Dietary Fiber. 1997; 1(1): 19-24., promoting satiety/a feeling of fullness28Iino T, Nishijima Y, Sawada S, et al. Improvement of constipation by a small amount of Xylooligosaccharides ingestion in adult women. Journal of Japanese Association for Dietary Fiber. 1997; 1(1): 19-24., and improve skin appearance including a reduction in wrinkles and skin moisture loss29Hong YH, Chang UJ, Kim YS, Jung EY, Suh HJ. Dietary galacto-oligosaccharides improve skin health: a randomized double blind clinical trial. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2017;26(4):613-618.–in addition to increasing probiotic counts30Bouhnik Y, Ouarne FF, Riottot M et al. Effects of prolonged ingestion of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on colonic bifidobacteria, fecal enzymes and bile acids in humans. Gastroenterology 1994;106:A598. 31Finegold SM, Li Z, Summanen PH, Downes J, Thames G, Corbett K, Dowd S, Krak M, Heber D. Xylooligosaccharide increases bifidobacteria but not lactobacilli in human gut microbiota. Food Funct. 2014 Mar;5(3):436-45. 32Salyers AA, Palmer JK, Wilkins TD. Degradation of polysaccharides by intestinal bacterial enzymes. Am J Clin Nutr. 1978;31:S128-S130..
Regulatory Compliances
The regulatory requirements for synbiotics are largely the same as those for other supplements. It is worth noting, however, that regulations now require that any probiotic-containing supplement must list the milligram amount of the probiotic. Of course, you can also list the Colony Forming Units (CFU). Many brands are now opting to list both (e.g., “50 mg (5 billion CFU)”). Yet again, an experienced CDMO can provide guidance on regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
This article aimed to answer the question, “what are synbiotics?”, the answer to which is the combination of probiotics and prebiotics— and synbiotics are rapidly growing in popularity.
Research highlights the benefits of synbiotics, showing a significant increase in Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria abundance when using synbiotic blends over prebiotics or probiotics alone. The effectiveness of synbiotics largely depends on the choice of probiotics and prebiotics in the formulation, with many options available.
Vitaquest is the largest custom, non-originator CDMO of synbiotic dietary supplements in the United States, serving both emerging and established brands with a commitment to quality, transparency, and rigorous qualification. We have earned an impeccable reputation in the nutraceutical industry for our expertise in probiotic supplement formulation design, product development, particle and powder engineering services, our climate-controlled manufacturing environment, and our comprehensive packaging design and fulfillment solutions.
Vitaquest also has expertise in domestic and international regulatory standards. We are GMP-certified by NSF, assuring brand owners and consumers of our compliance with industry regulations and standards. In addition, Vitaquest can offer Kosher, Halal, and certified organic products, and FSSC 22000 certification for food safety.
Are you ready to move forward with creating high-quality synbiotic supplements for your brand? If so, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives or request a competitive nutraceutical manufacturing price quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About Synbiotic Supplements
Q: What are examples of synbiotics?
Examples of synbiotics that can be found in the marketplace today include:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and inulin
- Bifidobacteria and fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
- Lactobacilli with FOS or inulin or Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)
Q: Are synbiotics good for you?
Synbiotics offer many potential benefits which are largely dependent upon the choice of the probiotics and prebiotics included in the formulation. Research suggests that synbiotic supplements result in better growth of probiotic organisms in the gut than prebiotics or probiotics alone.
Q: What is the difference between a probiotic and a synbiotic?
A probiotic is a product containing one or more friendly bacteria, such as those in the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria genera. Synbiotics (i.e., synergistic biotics) are a combination of both pre-and probiotics.
Q: Is a prebiotic a synbiotic?
A prebiotic is typically a long-chain carbohydrate that serves as a source of nourishment for friendly probiotic organisms. Synbiotics (i.e., synergistic biotics) are a combination of both pre-and probiotics.
Q: Who should take synbiotics?
Although most people would likely benefit from supplementing with a synbiotic supplement, individuals with digestive issues (e.g., diarrhea, constipation, bloating), athletes, seniors, women, and people concerned with their immune health are particularly good candidates for using these products.
Q: What are synbiotic supplements?
Synbiotics (i.e., synergistic biotics) are a combination of both pre-and probiotics. Research suggests that synbiotic supplements result in better growth of probiotic organisms in the gut than prebiotics or probiotics alone.
