In the world of gut health, we’re no strangers to buzzwords. From probiotics to prebiotics, these terms have become part of everyday wellness conversations. Just as many of us were getting familiar with them, a new concept has entered the conversation: synbiotics. Unlike fleeting trends, synbiotics reflect a growing scientific interest in how certain ingredients might work better together. While not a regulated health claim, this concept has gained attention, and it closely reflects the thinking behind the Biomel Complete Gut approach. But before we dive deeper, let’s start with the basics.
Live cultures, often associated with probiotic foods, are beneficial bacteria that naturally occur in fermented products like yoghurt or kefir. These microorganisms are known for their role in supporting a healthy gut microbiome, the diverse community of bacteria and microorganisms in our digestive system. Different strains of bacteria may play different roles. Some may support digestion, while others are being studied for their effect on gut balance or immune interactions. Although the term “probiotic” is widely used in science, it’s important to note that in the UK and EU, no health claims for probiotics are currently authorised for food products (hence why you don’t see it on our products).
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut. Found naturally in foods like onions, bananas, garlic, and oats, prebiotics help these bacteria grow and flourish. However, many people in the UK don’t consume enough dietary fibre, one reason why increasing prebiotic-rich foods is often encouraged for digestive wellness.
A synbiotic is a term used in scientific literature to describe the combination of live microorganisms (commonly linked to probiotics) and prebiotics that work together in a complementary way. The idea is that prebiotics help support the survival and activity of live bacteria in the digestive system. For example, certain prebiotic fibres like inulin or chicory root fibre are being researched for their ability to support the growth of well-known bacterial strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. When paired correctly, the two ingredients may have a synergistic effect meaning they work better together than alone. So, what is a synbiotic? It's a combination of prebiotics and live cultures that may support gut health more effectively when used together, but only when specific strains and fibres are proven to work synergistically in human studies.
This is a common question, and one worth exploring. Researchers have suggested that combining prebiotics and live bacteria may:
That said, not all combinations are automatically synbiotic. To be defined as such in research, the specific pair must show a complementary effect.
Synbiotics are currently being studied for their potential to support digestive health and the gut microbiome. However, it's important to note that no health claims are currently authorised for synbiotics in the UK or EU. The term is used here for educational purposes, reflecting scientific interest, not as a health claim.
Even if you're not using a product specifically classified as a synbiotic, you can create synbiotic-style meals at home by combining sources of live cultures with prebiotic fibre. For example:
While Biomel products aren't marketed as "synbiotics," they do contain both billions of live cultures and plant-based fibre, ingredients commonly associated with synbiotic formulations in research.
Synbiotics represent an exciting area of study in the field of gut health. By combining live cultures with prebiotics, researchers are investigating ways to enhance the beneficial effects of both. While we can’t claim specific health benefits for these combinations without approved evidence, it’s clear that this gut-friendly pairing is one to watch. Whether you're exploring food pairings at home or choosing products made with both live cultures and fibre, understanding what a synbiotic is can help you make more informed choices. Supporting your gut doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes, it just takes the right combination.
Disclaimer: At Biomel, your well-being is our top priority. While we take great pride in our expertise in gut health and overall wellness, we understand that every gut is unique. The content we provide is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness, or replace the advice of your GP. We strongly encourage you to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns. Rest assured, we are here to support you throughout your journey, so you are never alone. Our in-house nutritionists will always be here to support you on your journey to optimal gut health.
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