What is it about?
This chapter delves into the concept of postbiotics, distinguishing them from prebiotics and probiotics. It explores the mechanisms, types, production methods, and health benefits of postbiotics, highlighting their potential in promoting gut health, modulating immunity, and preventing diseases. The chapter also discusses the scientific basis, clinical relevance, and future prospects of postbiotics as a safe and effective alternative or complementary strategy in human health, particularly when live probiotics are unsuitable.
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Why is it important?
This chapter addresses a critical gap in current microbiome-based therapies by introducing postbiotics as a safe, stable, and scientifically promising alternative to traditional probiotics. While probiotics rely on live microbes, which can pose risks in immunocompromised individuals and suffer from viability issues, postbiotics offer bioactive benefits without requiring live cells.
Perspectives
As a researcher deeply involved in probiotic science, I believe our chapter, “Postbiotics: A Promising Concept Beyond Pre- and Probiotics in Human Health,” offers a timely and impactful contribution to the evolving field of microbiome-based interventions. With growing scientific interest in safe and targeted therapies, postbiotics represent a paradigm shift—delivering health benefits through microbial metabolites and components, rather than relying on the administration of live bacteria. I see this as especially valuable for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, infants, or immunocompromised individuals, where the use of live probiotics may be risky or ineffective.
Dr. Abrar Hussain
University of Karachi
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Postbiotics, June 2025, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1201/9781003607779-1.
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