Prebiotics
Prebiotics are defined as non-digestible compounds that promote the growth or activity of the beneficial bacteria.
Examples: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and mannanoligosaccharides (MOS)
Probiotics
Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”.
Examples: Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Bifidobacterium
Postbiotics
Postbiotics are defined as a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host.
Synbiotics
Synbiotics combine prebiotics and probiotics.
Conclusion
In veterinary medicine, “biotics” are being explored for their potential to improve skin health, boost immunity, and manage various animal conditions, mirroring the growing interest in these biotic therapies in human health.
⚠️ When evaluating "biotics” products, ensure that research supports the claims given!
Recommended: Are prebiotics the same as probiotics?
About the author
Dr. Aline Santana is a Brazilian veterinarian with over 12 years of experience in both research and private dermatology practice. In 2021, she completed her PhD in veterinary dermatology at the University of São Paulo (Brazil), with a sandwich period at the University of Minnesota, where she conducted research on the skin microbiome of cats. Since 2012, she has been an active member of the Brazilian Society of Veterinary Dermatology (SBDV). From 2015 to 2021, Dr. Santana served as the director of social media marketing, contributing to the organization's outreach and communication efforts.