You hear it more and more often: postbiotics are the new generation of supplements for those interested in gut health, fermentation, and self-care from within. But what exactly are postbiotics? And what types are in our own Postbiotica™ from Charlotte Labee Supplements?
In this blog, we'll take you through the different types of postbiotics found in the supplement. What are they, how do they originate, and why are these postbiotics so special?
Back to basics: what are postbiotics?
Postbiotics are the substances that arise during the life of bacteria. You can see them as the natural 'by-products' of fermentation: compounds created when bacteria break down fibers, for example. Think of butyric acid, lactic acid, or acetic acid.
Where probiotics are live bacteria, postbiotics are the result of their work. They don't need to be alive to remain stable, and can therefore be easily incorporated into food or supplements.
Postbiotica™: a unique combination of postbiotic substances
The Postbiotica™ supplement contains twelve postbiotic substances, all derived from fermentation. Below you can read what they are, with a brief explanation of their origin or role:
1. Butyric acid (Butyrate)
One of the best-known postbiotics, often produced in the large intestine when breaking down fibers. Naturally has a strong odor, but fortunately, you won't notice any of that in our supplement.
2. Lactic acid (Lactate)
Arises during the fermentation of lactose and other sugars. Lactic acid also occurs naturally in products like yogurt and kefir.
3. Acetic acid (Acetate)
The substance also found in natural vinegar. Produced by the fermentation of sugars and is one of the most common fatty acids in the gut environment.
4. Propionic acid
Less known, but just as natural. This substance also arises during fermentation processes and is found, among other things, in fermented grains.
5. Succinic acid
An intermediate product in various biochemical processes of the body and in bacterial fermentation. Also occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables.
6. Formate
Often formed during the breakdown of fibers and proteins. A shorter fatty acid chain, but equally an interesting compound within the fermentation process.
7–12. Other organic acids
Postbiotica™ contains even more short- and medium-chain compounds resulting from fermentation with bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Each with its own chemical structure, but especially valuable together as a diverse whole.
Why such a broad spectrum?
You could compare it to a garden: the more different plants (or bacteria), the more biodiversity and resilience. This is how it also works in your gut. That's why Postbiotica™ contains not only multiple postbiotics, but also:
- 8 different bacterial strains (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis)
- 19 fermented herbs, including fennel, chamomile, thyme, and nettle
- Vitamin C, which, among other things, contributes to your energy metabolism*
All these elements together form a rich, varied supplement based on fermentation and nature.
When do you choose a postbiotic supplement?
Perhaps you already eat a varied and fiber-rich diet. Perhaps not always. Sometimes your digestion is a bit out of balance, or you just want to provide extra support for your healthy habits. Postbiotica™ contains no living bacteria and therefore fits into any time of the year or in combination with other products.
Curious? Read more about the ingredients or order Postbiotica™ here.
*Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and supports normal psychological functions. Claims pending approval by the European Commission.
