Postbiotics: The Newest “Biotic”

Presented by: Mary Ellen Sanders, PhD

Postbiotics are the latest ‘biotic’ in gut health—defined as preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that offer health benefits to the host. Similar to probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, the key to postbiotics is their demonstrated health impact. However, what sets them apart is the growing understanding of how even dead microbes or their byproducts can influence health. Although the term “postbiotics” has been in use for over a decade, it wasn’t until 2021 that a clear definition was established.

This webinar will explore the current confusion surrounding the term “postbiotics”, present the latest evidence on their health effects, and discuss how fermented foods align with this concept. Additionally, we’ll offer dietitians practical insights for discussing postbiotics with clients.

As a result of this presentation, attendees will:

1. Define postbiotics and contrast with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics

2. Explain why we might expect dead microbes to have a health benefit

3. Understand how fermented foods might deliver postbiotics

Register Here

Mary Ellen Sanders, PhD

Mary Ellen Sanders, PhD is a consultant in the area of probiotic microbiology (www.mesanders.com). She works internationally with food and supplement companies to develop new probiotic products and offers perspective on paths to scientific substantiation of probiotic product label claims. She was the founding president and executive science officer for the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP, www.ISAPPscience.org), an organization devoted to advancing the science of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics and fermented foods. Through ISAPP, she participated in many scientific efforts, as reflected in her 140+ peer publications, and led many communications efforts in the biotics space.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter!

New England Dairy