SYNBIOTIC
Probiotics +Prebiotics
What it does
Prebiotics are substances that help feed and support the good bacteria in your gut, promoting digestive health.
Commonly used for: supporting gut health, improving digestion, boosting immune function
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-14 14:01:45 · updated 2026-10-19 03:38:35
About prebiotics
Prebiotics are substances that help feed and support the good bacteria in your gut, promoting digestive health.
What it treats
- supporting gut health
- improving digestion
- boosting immune function
How it works
Prebiotics stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, which can improve gut health and digestion.
Who it's for
Prebiotics can be beneficial for anyone looking to improve their digestive health, especially those with digestive issues.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that can provide health benefits, especially for your digestive system.
What it treats
- digestive issues
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- diarrhea
- constipation
How it works
Probiotics help balance the good and bad bacteria in your gut, which can improve digestion and overall gut health.
Who it's for
Probiotics are suitable for people looking to improve their gut health or manage digestive problems.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines. They primarily consist of oligosaccharides, such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides, which serve as a food source for probiotics. By enhancing the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, prebiotics help to maintain gut health, support immune function, and may improve digestion.
Indications
- Support of gut health
- Improvement of digestion
- Enhancement of immune function
- Management of constipation
- Support for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Dosage
Children: There is no standard paediatric dosage for prebiotics, and it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing based on the child's age and health condition.
Adults: There is no standard adult dosage for prebiotics, and it is typically recommended to follow product-specific dosing instructions or consult a healthcare professional.
Mechanism of action
Prebiotics exert their effects by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial gut microbiota, particularly Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. They are fermented in the colon, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which can lower colonic pH, inhibit pathogen growth, and enhance gut barrier function.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effects of prebiotics include modulation of the gut microbiome composition, enhancement of mineral absorption (particularly calcium and magnesium), improvement of bowel regularity, and potential prevention of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation. They may also have systemic effects through the gut-brain axis, influencing mood and cognitive functions.
Pharmacokinetics
Prebiotics are not absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract and reach the colon intact. The fermentation of prebiotics in the colon leads to the production of SCFAs and gases, which may contribute to their health benefits. The rate and extent of fermentation can vary among individuals based on their gut microbiota composition and diet. The effects of prebiotics may take several days to weeks to manifest, depending on the amount consumed and the individual's gut microbiome.
Adverse effects
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with gastrointestinal disorders
- Patients with a history of allergies should consult a healthcare provider before use
Pregnancy
Prebiotics are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Breast-feeding
Prebiotics are typically safe during breastfeeding, though it is recommended to discuss with a healthcare provider.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Powder
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Functional foods (e.g., yogurt, granola)
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria and yeasts, which confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts. They are commonly found in fermented foods and dietary supplements. Probiotics are used to help restore the natural balance of gut flora, which can be disrupted by factors such as antibiotic use, illness, or poor diet. They play a crucial role in digestive health, immune function, and may also influence metabolic processes.
Indications
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Acute gastroenteritis
- Lactose intolerance
- Prevention of infections in immunocompromised patients
- Support for gut health during and after antibiotic treatment
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific product guidelines as dosing can vary
Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines as dosing can vary by strain and indication.
Mechanism of action
Probiotics exert their effects through various mechanisms including competition with pathogenic microorganisms for adhesion sites on the intestinal mucosa, production of antimicrobial substances such as bacteriocins, modulation of the immune response, and enhancement of the intestinal barrier function. They may also influence the gut-brain axis and metabolic pathways by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from dietary fibers, which can provide energy to colonic cells and modulate inflammation.
Pharmacodynamics
Probiotics can enhance the gut microbiota diversity and functional capacity, leading to improved gut health and overall well-being. They may reduce the incidence and duration of gastrointestinal infections, alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Their immunomodulatory effects can help in managing allergic conditions and may support the body’s response to infections.
Pharmacokinetics
Probiotics are generally administered orally, where they travel through the gastrointestinal tract. Their survival and colonization depend on factors such as the strain, the pH of the environment, and the presence of prebiotics. While some strains can transiently colonize the gut, others may adhere more permanently. The bioavailability of probiotics can be influenced by the formulation, with enteric-coated capsules designed to protect them from gastric acid. The effects of probiotics can be observed within days to weeks, depending on the condition being treated.
Adverse effects
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Infections in immunocompromised patients
Precautions
- Use cautiously in patients with underlying health conditions, particularly those with weakened immune systems
- Monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms
- Consult healthcare professional before use in children or during pregnancy
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe, but consult a healthcare professional before use.
Breast-feeding
Typically safe, but check with a healthcare provider.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place. Some formulations may require refrigeration.
Formulations
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Powders
- Liquid formulations
- Probiotic-enriched foods (e.g., yogurt)
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.