New Era of Microbiome Solutions
Probiotics and prebiotics have already become familiar to consumers. But in 2025, the focus is shifting to postbiotics — ready-made bioactive compounds formed through microbial fermentation.
At Vitafoods Europe 2025, postbiotics were one of the most discussed topics. Manufacturers presented products with short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), fermented peptides, and bacterial cell fragments that affect immunity and metabolism without the need for “live” bacteria.
What Are Postbiotics?
- Probiotics — live beneficial bacteria.
- Prebiotics — dietary fibers that nourish the microbiota.
- Postbiotics — bioactive molecules (SCFA, lipopolysaccharides, fermented peptides) that act directly on the body.
Their main advantage is stability. Postbiotics do not require special storage conditions and can be easily integrated into functional products (drinks, bars, capsules).
Practical Cases from the Exhibition
- Drinks with fermented peptides for stress reduction.
- Capsules with butyrate oil for gut health.
- Functional snacks with postbiotics to support children’s immunity.
- Cosmetic supplements: postbiotics as part of nutricosmetics for skin.
Table: Differences between pro-, pre-, and postbiotics
| Category | What It Is | How They Work | Product Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probiotics | Live bacteria | Colonize the gut | Yogurts, capsules |
| Prebiotics | Fibers (inulin, FOS) | Substrate for bacteria | Bananas, onions, supplements |
| Postbiotics | Bioactive metabolites | Act directly on cells | SCFA, fermented peptides, cell fragments |
Who Are Postbiotics For?
- People with sensitive guts who struggle to tolerate probiotics.
- Those looking for faster effects (immunity, energy, skin).
- For children’s and sports formulas where safety and stability are key.
Conclusion
Postbiotics are not just a trend but a logical next step in the development of microbiome solutions. They combine scientific evidence, stability, and convenience of use across different products — from nutraceuticals to functional foods.
References
- Aguilar-Toalá J.E. et al. Postbiotics: An evolving term within the functional foods field. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2018.
- Salminen S. et al. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus on postbiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021.
- Vitafoods Europe 2025 Reports: Postbiotics and microbiome health.
About the Author
