Paraprobiotics: non-viable probiotics

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What are paraprobiotics and what impact do they have on our health?

Paraprobiotics are probiotic organisms that have been heat-killed and can enhance the performance of the human immune system. Contrary to traditional probiotics, which populate the large intestine, paraprobiotics work by interacting with the cells in the small intestine.

You may already know that postbiotics (also known as metabolites) – are “waste products” or byproducts secreted by live bacteria in the gut. In the classical definition of probiotics, we can conclude that they are live microorganisms and, in theory, have a positive health impact on their host (we humans) if ingested in large amounts. Knowledge of the types of paraprobiotics and postbiotics is so far still limited. Similarly, the paraprobiotics and postbiotics mechanisms of action remain to be fully discovered.

So where do paraprobiotics play a role?

Probiotics have been found to exhibit several health benefits by modulating gut microbiome; however, they are severely restricted in their potential because of their flawed design. Most probiotics never reach the intended site of action within the colon. As such, a massive shift in focus is taking place this very moment from viable (living) probiotic bacteria towards non-viable (nonliving) paraprobiotics and probiotics-derived biomolecules, aka postbiotics.

It can be tentatively concluded that paraprobiotics are an emerging concept in the functional foods field because they exhibit massive potential health-promoting properties, much like postbiotics.

Lactobacillus, paraprobiotics, and postbiotics studies

Paraprobiotics and postbiotics are both obtained from biochemical isolation techniques where the method of isolating these “compounds” influences their health benefits. In other words, their health benefits vary depending upon their isolation methods (1)

Recent studies observed that most of the paraprobiotics are located in the bacterial cell envelope and consist of molecules such as peptidoglycans, surface proteins, and cell wall polysaccharides. Postbiotics, on the other hand, include secreted proteins and peptides, bacteriocins, organic acid, and some other molecules and bacterial debris. (2)

Postbiotics and paraprobiotics behave positively in some cases

Both paraprobiotics and postbiotics play a significant role in a wide range of positive effects on the host, such as immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, barrier-preservation, and antimicrobial properties. (3) Different species of Lactobacillus excrete different types of postbiotics and, as it appears now, paraprobiotics, as well.

Paraprobiotics and postbiotics health benefits?

Paraprobiotics and postbiotics derived from the infamous Lactobacillus bacteria consist of a wide range of molecules known as ‘effectors’. They are products and byproducts of the probiotic Lactobacillus and have been found to exhibit potentially powerful benefits to humans, such as:

Preservation of the epithelial barrier
Anti-Tumor
Immunomodulation
Antagonistic Role Against Pathogens

What do we do with parapriobiotics now?

As in most cases, when something new is discovered, more research is required. There are still several aspects related to paraprobiotics’ biochemical behavior that remains unexplored and poorly understood.

But there are several postbiotic supplements on the market today. Research clearly shows that Viscera-3 is superior to any other postbiotics brand. With Viscera-3, this superior form of TRIbutyrate is time-released directly into your lower colon (the only place it can provide all the above life-changing benefits).

It is three times more potent than the weak short-chain fatty acids created by fiber alone. Along with TRIButyrate, Viscera-3 contains the SLIMGut Earth Minerals Matrix™ and the SLIMGut Garden Blend™. Together, their powerful multi-factor effect on gut health leads to less gas, constipation, bloating, and of course, faster setpoint weight loss! No increased fiber intake is required.

Barros CP, Guimaraes JT, Esmerino EA, Duarte MCKH, Silva MC, Silva R, et al. Paraprobiotics and postbiotics: concepts and potential applications in dairy products. Curr Opin Food Sci. (2020) 32:1–8. 10.1016/j.cofs.2019.12.003
Lactobacillus plantarum possesses the capability for wall teichoic acid backbone alditol switching. Bron PA, Tomita S, van Swam II, Remus DM, Meijerink M, Wels M, Okada S, Wells JM, Kleerebezem M Microb Cell Fact. 2012 Sep 11; 11():123.
Metabiotics: novel idea or natural development of probiotic conception.Shenderov BA Microb Ecol Health Dis. 2013; 24():

Dr. Matt Olesiak

Chief Medical Director at SANESolution | Website

Dr. Matthew Olesiak continues to make a significant impact in the medical field through his work at SANESolution and his dedication to evidence-based practices.

What are Paraprobiotics?