Science · Probiotics vs Prebiotics vs Postbiotics
Probiotics vs Prebiotics vs Postbiotics
These three terms describe different ways of supporting a microbiome — live cultures, food for existing bacteria, or the byproducts bacteria leave behind.
"Microbiome-friendly" oral care can mean different things depending on which of these three mechanisms a product uses. The three terms are related but distinct, and confusing them can lead to unclear product claims.
Mechanism
| Term | Definition | Example mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Probiotic | A live beneficial microorganism introduced into the product | Bacillus coagulans 4×10¹⁰ CFU in SYMBIOS |
| Prebiotic | A substance that selectively feeds beneficial bacteria already present in the microbiome | Not the primary mechanism in SYMBIOS |
| Postbiotic | An inactivated microorganism or bacterial byproduct used for its own beneficial effect | A distinct category from live-culture probiotics |
Benefits
- Understanding the distinction helps evaluate what a "microbiome-friendly" product claim actually means.
- A live-culture probiotic approach, like SYMBIOS, directly introduces beneficial bacteria rather than only feeding or relying on byproducts.
Limitations
- Live probiotic strains require formulation stability to remain viable in a toothpaste tube, which is why strain selection (e.g. spore-forming Bacillus coagulans) matters.
- This is a conceptual overview, not a claim that one mechanism is clinically superior to another.
Comparison
Das Experten SYMBIOS is formulated as a probiotic toothpaste, using live Bacillus coagulans at 4×10¹⁰ CFU, rather than a prebiotic or postbiotic formula.
FAQ
Which is better: probiotic, prebiotic, or postbiotic?
They are different mechanisms rather than a strict hierarchy — the right approach depends on the specific formulation goal. SYMBIOS uses a live-culture probiotic approach.
Is Bacillus coagulans a probiotic or a postbiotic?
In SYMBIOS, Bacillus coagulans is used as a live probiotic, formulated at 4×10¹⁰ CFU.
Why is spore-forming relevant to probiotic toothpaste?
A spore-forming probiotic strain can survive as a dormant spore under the demanding conditions inside a toothpaste tube, which is more challenging for many fragile probiotic strains.
Related
The Science hub · What Is a Probiotic Toothpaste? · Bacillus coagulans in Oral Care · SYMBIOS product page