{"id":35268,"date":"2023-01-27T16:24:44","date_gmt":"2023-01-27T15:24:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getindya.com\/?p=35268"},"modified":"2026-11-03T17:11:25","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T16:11:25","slug":"probiotics-prebiotics-athletes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getindya.com\/en\/probiotics-prebiotics-athletes\/","title":{"rendered":"Which probiotics and prebiotics should athletes take?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You have probably heard of <\/span>probiotics and prebiotics<\/b>. Are they the same? Can a <\/span>varied diet<\/b><\/a> provide them, is <\/span>supplementation<\/b> needed, and why do they matter?<\/span><\/p>\n

Our flora includes <\/span>many bacterial species<\/b> throughout the <\/span>gastrointestinal tract<\/b>, <\/span>from mouth, pharynx, oesophagus and stomach through both intestines to rectum and anus.<\/span><\/p>\n

The balance can be disrupted by <\/span>antibiotics<\/b> or <\/span>poor diet<\/b>, allowing <\/span>unhelpful bacteria<\/b> to proliferate, with <\/span>poor digestion, nutrient absorption and immune function<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is how to support that balance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Are Probiotics?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Probiotics and prebiotics<\/b> differ. Let us start with <\/span>probiotics<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The term <\/span>probiotics<\/b> describes <\/span>beneficial live microorganisms<\/b> that support <\/span>intestinal flora<\/b> and health.<\/span><\/p>\n

They can be consumed as <\/span>probiotics<\/b> in <\/span>supplements<\/b> or <\/span>foods<\/b>, including <\/span>food-based products<\/b><\/a>, supporting <\/span>intestinal flora<\/b>. Familiar <\/span>beneficial bacteria<\/b> include <\/span>lactobacilli and bifidobacteria<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

No clear consensus establishes the <\/span>optimal dose<\/b>. Studied doses range from <\/span>10\u2078 to 10\u00b9\u00b9 colony-forming units<\/b> daily.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Are Prebiotics?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

By contrast, <\/span>prebiotics<\/b> are <\/span>not microorganisms<\/b> but compounds supporting <\/span>intestinal flora<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

They are <\/span>prebiotics<\/b> because they provide <\/span>food for beneficial bacteria<\/b>, encouraging <\/span>selective growth<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The category <\/span>prebiotics<\/b> includes <\/span>soluble fibres<\/b> in <\/span>whole grains, pulses, fruit and vegetables<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Functions of Probiotics and Prebiotics<\/span><\/h2>\n

Having distinguished <\/span>probiotics and prebiotics<\/b>, here are their <\/span>functions<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Possible <\/span>probiotic functions<\/b> include:<\/span><\/p>\n