Gut health has become one of the biggest wellness trends of the past decade, and for good reason. We now know that the trillions of microbes living in the gut influence everything from digestion and immunity to skin health and metabolism.¹

Most people have heard of probiotics, and many know about prebiotics. But scientists are now turning their attention to a newer category that's generating significant interest: postbiotics.

Unlike probiotics, postbiotics don't need to be alive to deliver benefits. They're stable, reliable, and supported by growing research across digestive health, immune function, metabolic health, and even skin health.

In this article, we'll explore what postbiotics are, why they're becoming so popular, and how they work alongside prebiotics and probiotics to support a healthier gut.

What Are Postbiotics? The Gut Health Breakthrough You May Not Have Heard Of

Postbiotics are preparations of non-living microorganisms and their beneficial components. These may include inactivated bacteria, cell fragments, enzymes and other compounds that continue to provide health benefits even though the bacteria are no longer alive. These include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), enzymes, vitamins, and fragments of bacterial cells.^2,3

If probiotics are the chefs and prebiotics are the ingredients, postbiotics are the nourishing meals left behind after the cooking is done.

Because they don't need to survive manufacturing, storage or digestion, postbiotics offer several practical advantages while still supporting gut and immune health. ²

Probiotics vs Postbiotics: What's the Difference?

Why Are Scientists So Excited About Postbiotics?

Researchers are particularly interested in postbiotics because they combine the benefits of microbial science with greater stability and consistency.

Emerging evidence suggests certain postbiotics may help support ^2,3:

• Digestive health
• Gut barrier integrity
• Healthy immune function
• Skin health
• Metabolic health
• Overall wellbeing

Three of the most researched postbiotics currently available are Akkermansia muciniphila MucT®, Lactobacillus acidophilus LP-92™ and Bifidobacterium longum ES-1®.

Akkermansia MucT®: The Postbiotic Supporting Metabolic Health

Akkermansia (Akkermansia muciniphila) is a next-generation probiotic strain that naturally resides in the gut's mucosal lining. Unlike conventional probiotics, Akkermansia acts directly on the gut barrier, making it a leading clinically researched strain for metabolic health, gut integrity, and natural weight management. It’s benefits have been shown to support:

• Targeted Weight Management: Research demonstrates that Akkermansia muciniphila helps regulate body composition and fat storage. In a 6-month clinical trial, participants who took Akkermansia MucT® after a strict diet regained 58% less weight than those on a placebo, making long-term weight maintenance easier. ⁴

• Blood Sugar & Insulin Sensitivity: Supports healthy glucose metabolism to prevent energy crashes and sugar spikes. Clinical studies show that after just three months, participants taking Akkermansia required about one-third less natural insulin while using it more efficiently, a clear indicator of improved metabolic health.⁵

Akkermansia MucT®  is safe and well-tolerated, making it a great option for long-term metabolic support. It’s combined with green tea and chromium in Ultra Flora Weight and Metabolic Health with Akkermansia to support overall gut health.

LP-92™ For Calmer Skin and Immune Balance

LP-92™, a heat-treated form of Lactobacillus acidophilus, helps balance the immune system by working through the gut. It contains unique enzymes and proteins that help regulate inflammatory signals in the body, which can reduce flare-ups of skin conditions like eczema.6

In studies on adults with eczema, LP-92™ was shown to:

• Reduce the area of eczema on the skin surface, including on the arms, legs, trunk, and scalp
• Significantly improved symptoms like itching, redness, dryness and thickening by 16% to 23% over 8 weeks.7,8

This makes LP-92™, found within UltraFlora Sensitive Skin, a valuable option for people looking to support both skin and gut health.

ES-1, For Gut Repair and Mental Wellbeing

ES-1, short for Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347, is a postbiotic originally isolated from breast milk. Once heat-treated, it becomes stable and effective as a non-living compound.9 This postbiotic works like a maintenance crew, repairing the gut lining and supporting digestion.

Studies show ES-1 can⁹:

• Promote the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria, which help fuel gut cells and repair the lining
• Reduce gut inflammation and discomfort
• Keep gut health markers like calprotectin stable
• Improve quality of life and reduce bloating in people with IBS

ES-1 is safe and well-tolerated, making it a great option for long-term digestive support. It’s combined with PHGG in UltraFlora Triple Action Biotic to support overall gut health.

Where Do Prebiotics and Probiotics Fit In?

Probiotics and prebiotics are like important parts of supporting the gut as an ecosystem. You can compare them to gardening. Probiotics are like seedlings, ands prebiotics are the fertiliser that helps your inner gut garden thrive and support you with health benefits. ^10,11

Probiotics: The Beneficial Microbes

Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that keep your gut microbiome balanced. Rather than just adding new bugs, they empower your existing microbes to thrive, rebuilding a healthy gut environment so your whole system runs smoothly.

When your beneficial bacteria are strong and diverse, your digestion, immunity, and overall energy stay supported. When they get depleted, your whole body feels it.

Prebiotics: Fuel for Your Gut Microbiome

Prebiotics are special types of plant fibre that your body can’t digest, but your gut bacteria can. By feeding beneficial strains like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, they help support digestion, immunity, and even mental health. ¹¹

Some of the most effective prebiotics found in everyday foods include:

• FOS (Fructo-oligosaccharides), found in bananas, onions, and garlic
• GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharides), found in dairy
• Inulin, found in chicory root and artichokes
• Resistant starch, found in cooked-and-cooled potatoes and rice

If your diet falls short, prebiotic supplements can help nurture beneficial gut microbes. One standout option is Partially Hydrolysed Guar Gum (PHGG).

PHGG, The Gentle Fibre for Gut Health

Whilst postbiotics deliver beneficial compounds directly, prebiotics help nourish the beneficial bacteria already living in your gut. One standout prebiotic is PHGG, a well-tolerated fibre that helps encourage the growth of beneficial microbes while supporting digestive comfort. ¹² 

• · Supports digestive regularity 
• · Helps reduce bloating 
• · Feeds beneficial bacteria 
• · Supports gut barrier health

This is why PHGG offers a gentle but effective option to support your gut health.¹²

Bringing It All Together: Why Modern Gut Support Uses All Three

Rather than choosing between prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics, many healthcare practitioners now view them as complementary tools.

• Probiotics introduce beneficial microbes.
• Prebiotics feed them.
• Postbiotics deliver beneficial compounds directly.

Together, they help create a healthier, more resilient gut ecosystem.

Taking care of your gut doesn’t have to be complicated.

You can start with small steps, introducing one at a time to your routine, starting with eating a wide variety of fibre-rich foods, and working with a qualified healthcare practitioner for guidance if you struggle with digestive symptoms or intolerances.

Nurture Your Gut, Nourish Your Whole Body

As our understanding of the gut microbiome evolves, postbiotics are emerging as one of the most exciting developments in digestive health science.

From supporting metabolic health with Akkermansia MucT®, to promoting skin health with LP-92™ and digestive wellbeing with ES-1®, these innovative ingredients are helping redefine what gut support can look like.

While taking prebiotics such as PHGG and beneficial probiotics, postbiotics offer a modern approach to supporting whole-body health from the gut up.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to go deeper in your gut health journey, now is the perfect time to act. For tailored guidance, reach out to a healthcare practitioner who can help you choose the best approach for your needs.

Your gut is talking, now’s the time to listen.

1. Al-Habsi N, Al-Khalili M, Haque SA, Elias M, Olqi NA, Al Uraimi T. Health Benefits of Prebiotics, Probiotics, Synbiotics, and Postbiotics. Nutrients. 2024 Nov 19;16(22):3955. doi: 10.3390/nu16223955.

2. Ikram A, Safdar SZ, Arshad MT, Rasheed A, Gnedeka KT. An overview of postbiotics: unveiling their distinct role in gut health. Food and Agricultural Immunology. 2024 Dec 31;35(1):2434463.

3. Zhao X, Liu S, Li S, et al. Unlocking the power of postbiotics: A revolutionary approach to nutrition for humans and animals. Cell Metab. 2024 Apr 2;36(4):725-744. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.03.004.

4. Depommier C, Everard A, Druart C, et al. Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila in overweight and obese human volunteers: a proof-of-concept exploratory study. Nat Med. 2019;25(7):1096-1103. doi:10.1038/s41591-019-0495-2.

5. Mount S, Canfora EE, Jocken JW, et al. Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila MucT for weight loss maintenance in people with overweight and obesity: a controlled randomized trial. Nat Med. Published online 2026. doi:10.1038/s41591-026-04394-7.

6. Torii A, Torii S, Fujiwara S, Tanaka H, Inagaki N, Nagai H. Lactobacillus acidophilus strain L-92 regulates the production of Th1 cytokine as well as Th2 cytokines. Allergol Int. 2007;56(3):293-301. doi:10.2332/allergolint.o-06-4597.

7.Yamamoto K,Yokoyama K, Matsukawa T, et al. Efficacy of prolonged ingestion of Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 in adult patients with atopic dermatitis. J Dairy Sci. 2016;99(7):5039-5046. doi:10.3168/jds.2015-10605

8. Inoue Y, Kambara T, Murata N, et al. Effects of oral administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 on the symptoms and serum cytokines of atopic dermatitis in Japanese adults: a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2014;165(4):247-254. doi:10.1159/000369806

9. Naghibi M, Pont-Beltran A, Lamelas A, et al. Effect of Postbiotic Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 on Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Serum Biochemistry, and Intestinal Microbiota in Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Parallel, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2024 Nov 19;16(22):3952. doi: 10.3390/nu16223952.

10. Slavin J. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 2013 Apr 22;5(4):1417-35. doi: 10.3390/nu5041417.

11. Davani-Davari D, Negahdaripour M, Karimzadeh I, et al. Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications. Foods. 2019 Mar 9;8(3):92. doi: 10.3390/foods8030092.

12. Abe A, Morishima S, Kapoor MP, et al. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum is associated with improvement in gut health, sleep, and motivation among healthy subjects. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2023 Mar;72(2):189-197. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.22-75.