The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of postbiotics.

2021-05-04
Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology 18(9)
- Seppo Salminen
- Maria Carmen Collado
- Akihito Endo
- Colin Hill
- Sarah Lebeer
- Eamonn M M Quigley
- Mary Ellen Sanders
- Raanan Shamir
- Jonathan R Swann
- Hania Szajewska
- Gabriel Vinderola

PubMed: 33948025
DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00440-6

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: In 2019, the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) convened a panel of experts specializing in nutrition, microbial physiology, gastroenterology, paediatrics, food science and microbiology to review the definition and scope of postbiotics.

Highly Cited

In 2019, the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) convened a panel of experts specializing in nutrition, microbial physiology, gastroenterology, paediatrics, food science and microbiology to review the definition and scope of postbiotics. The term 'postbiotics' is increasingly found in the scientific literature and on commercial products, yet is inconsistently used and lacks a clear definition. The purpose of this panel was to consider the scientific, commercial and regulatory parameters encompassing this emerging term, propose a useful definition and thereby establish a foundation for future developments. The panel defined a postbiotic as a "preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host". Effective postbiotics must contain inactivated microbial cells or cell components, with or without metabolites, that contribute to observed health benefits. The panel also discussed existing evidence of health-promoting effects of postbiotics, potential mechanisms of action, levels of evidence required to meet the stated definition, safety and implications for stakeholders. The panel determined that a definition of postbiotics is useful so that scientists, clinical triallists, industry, regulators and consumers have common ground for future activity in this area. A generally accepted definition will hopefully lead to regulatory clarity and promote innovation and the development of new postbiotic products.

Research Insights

Lactobacillus rhamnosus→Improved Skin Hydration
subjects who received the lyophilized L. rhamnosus lysate powder showed a statistically significant increase in skin hydration
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus rhamnosus→Reduced Skin Sensitivity
and a statistically significant decrease in skin sensitivity compared to the control group
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Saccharomyces cerevisiae→Improved Sleep Quality
subjects consuming Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentate reported improvements in sleep quality
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Saccharomyces cerevisiae→Reduced Cold/Flu Severity
Compared with placebo, participants consuming Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentate had fewer self-reported upper respiratory tract infections, less severe cold/flu symptoms, and fewer missed work or school days.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Saccharomyces cerevisiae→Reduced Parental Absenteeism from Work
Compared with placebo, participants consuming Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentate had fewer self-reported upper respiratory tract infections, less severe cold/flu symptoms, and fewer missed work or school days.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Saccharomyces cerevisiae→Reduced Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms
Compared with placebo, participants consuming Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentate had fewer self-reported upper respiratory tract infections, less severe cold/flu symptoms, and fewer missed work or school days.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate