Probiotic and prebiotic - are they the same thing?

What is a probiotic?

Food products and supplements referred to as probiotics owe their name to the fact that their composition is a rich source of valuable probiotic bacteria. These are microorganisms which have a positive impact on the condition of intestinal microflora, which is directly connected with the proper functioning of immunity, optimal functioning of the intestines and digestive system as well as assimilation and synthesis of some substances (e.g. vitamins). Moreover, it is worth mentioning that a disturbed condition of the microbiota increases the risk of being overweight or obese.

When is it worth using probiotics? First of all, during and after antibiotic treatment. This group of pharmacological agents, although effective in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms, additionally causes considerable damage to the intestinal microflora. Moreover, probiotic supplements are useful in cases of excessive stress, food poisoning, traveller's diarrhoea or consumption of large quantities of food (e.g. in the case of sportsmen and people exercising recreationally).

What is a prebiotic?

In a nutshell, prebiotics are food components that provide an extremely valuable nutrition for the bacteria of the intestinal flora. In this way, elements of the microbiota become active and the overall condition of the digestive tract (especially the large intestine) is maintained at an optimal level. Which components of the daily diet will prove to be the most effective support for probiotic bacteria? First of all, plant saccharides, and among these the most frequently mentioned are:

• inulin
• starch
• pectins
• dietary fibre
• guar gum and oat gum

Probiotic, prebiotic or maybe synbiotic?

Once again Olimp Sport Nutrition has decided to meet the expectations of the fans of a healthy lifestyle and a varied diet, which is best demonstrated by the development of a synbiotic supplement. It is a well-thought-out composition of a probiotic and prebiotic in the form of small and easy to swallow capsules. The raw materials used for the production have undergone an extremely thorough microbiological purity analysis.

Olimp Colonbiotic 7GG Sport Edition is a product combining a huge amount (up to 7 billion!) of natural probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) and a properly determined portion of a nutrient solution in the form of fructooligosaccharides (maltodextrin). The supplement can be successfully used by recreational exercisers, professional athletes and anyone who wants to take care of the good condition of their intestinal microflora. The product has been produced in accordance with a high standard in a modern Research and Development Centre of the Olimp Laboratories pharmaceutical company, which allows it to be used by people during or after antibiotic therapy.