These are two terms that are commonly seen on store shelves these days. Although they sound similar, what are they and what is the difference? They are both supplements but are very different and have different roles in the digestive system (gut).
- PREBIOTIC FIBER is a non-digestible part of foods like bananas, onions and garlic, Jerusalem artichoke, the skin of apples, chicory root, beans, and many others. Prebiotic fiber goes through the small intestine undigested and is fermented when it reaches the large colon.
This fermentation process feeds beneficial bacteria colonies (including probiotic bacteria) and helps to increase the number of desirable bacteria in our digestive systems that are associated with better health and reduced disease risk.
- PROBIOTICS are live beneficial bacteria that are naturally created by the process of fermentation in foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, miso soup, kimchi, and others.
Probiotics are also available in pill form and as an added ingredient in products like yogurt and health drinks.
A helpful metaphor to understand the difference between a prebiotic and a probiotic may be a garden. You can add seeds—the probiotic bacteria—while the prebiotic fiber is the water and fertilizer that helps the seeds to grow and flourish.
Hopefully, this has given you some clarity regarding these two terms.
(Above information taken in large part from Prebiotin.com)
Westman Eval & Rehab Center 
Leave a Reply