Learn → Glossary → food compound
Synbiotic
A mixture of live microorganisms and substrate(s) selectively utilized by host microorganisms that confers a health benefit on the host (ISAPP definition).
ISAPP 2020 distinguishes complementary synbiotics (probiotic plus prebiotic, each independently effective) from synergistic synbiotics (substrate selected to be used by the co-administered live microbe). The synbiotic must have demonstrated benefit as a combination, not just as its individual components.
How each textbook covers it
Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 1
Synbiotics are designed so the prebiotic selectively supports the survival and activity of the co-administered probiotic strain in the colon. Used clinically in surgical, ICU, and post-antibiotic settings. Evidence quality varies by formulation and indication.
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 37: Biotics and Fermented Foods
ISAPP 2020 distinguishes complementary synbiotics (probiotic plus prebiotic, each independently effective) from synergistic synbiotics (substrate selected to be used by the co-administered live microbe). The synbiotic must have demonstrated benefit as a combination, not just as its individual components.
Related terms
ISAPP, Microbiota, Postbiotic, Prebiotic, Probiotic