What is a Postbiotic?
Mar 04 2021
| Our Blog
| Jacqueline Rizo
As we wait for the “official” definition of postbiotic to be published by The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), we do know that a postbiotic is “a preparation of inanimate micro-organisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the target host.” (1) Essentially, postbiotics are by-products of the fermentation cycle in the intestine performed by probiotics. In other words, postbiotics are developed as the probiotics feed on prebiotics. They are the “waste” of probiotics. And although advertising “waste for your body” sounds like a terrible idea, ironically, in our industry, it really is the time to do so.
Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the role a healthy digestive system plays in promoting overall wellbeing and that postbiotics are responsible for many essential health-boosting roles in our intestines. As this year unfolds, the dietary supplement industry may likely see this as the year of the postbiotic.
At Stratum, we look forward to helping finish product brands become pioneers in the microbiome space with the efficacy and flexibility of the postbiotic ingredient, LBiome™.
What is LBiome™?
LBiome™ was discovered and used as a digestive aid in 1907 (France). Since then, it has been marked outside the U.S. as the “pharmabiotic,” Lacteol™. LBiome is the most clinically researched digestive health postbiotic in the dietary supplement market with over 40 published studies. It is a complex postbiotic in that it contains all of the cells grown during fermentation in addition to all of the unique metabolites produced during fermentation.
Working as a human strain-derived, heat-stabilized postbiotic, LBiome has been utilized for digestive support for years. Because it is a postbiotic, by definition inanimate cells (and/or their components) that provide a health benefit to the host, there are no living organisms present. Although postbiotics are less universally known compared to probiotics and prebiotics, postbiotics play a greatly significant role in digestion and gut health.
Formulating with LBiome
When working with LBiome, here are a few key things to know:
LBiome is stable, safe, and self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
The proprietary ECHO heat-stabilization process used to create LBiome reaches 110⁰C/230⁰F.
LBiome has been successfully incorporated into capsules, emulsions, liquids, chews, and dissolvable powders.
There is no CFU testing required.
LBiome has a 2-year shelf life, stored at room temperature.
Keep in mind that there is lactose present during fermentation and lactose is used as a carrier.
Conclusion
Postbiotics are an emerging category in the microbiome space. As more customers want alternative delivery options with human-derived strains, there is a big opportunity for the digestive health category. LBiome is a versatile ingredient with multiple health benefits, making it an attractive addition to all supplements.
Consider LBiome for your next finished product and be one of the postbiotic pioneers in the digestive health category. For more on LBiome, visit https://www.stratumnutrition.com/ingredient/lbiome.
References
Salminen S, Collado MC, Endo A, Hill C, Lebeer S, Quigley EMM, Sanders ME, Shamir R,Swann JR, Szajewska H, Vinderola G. Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of postbiotics. In Press.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. LBiome is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.