Postbiotics, by definition, are not live bacteria but rather bioactive compounds that are secreted by probiotics. Postbiotics represent a new category of therapeutic intervention. The significant impact of postbiotic metabolites on the microbiome helps to explain why a relatively small amount of probiotics can have such a profound impact on the expansive microbiome with gastrointestinal, immune and systemic health effects. Postbiotics share many health benefits with prebiotics and probiotics, yet they do not require fermentation, survival or the need to overcome other barriers in metabolization. Instead, they provide pre-converted nutrients like butyric acids and other short-chain fatty acids that are ready-to-use energy sources for your gut bacteria.

Clinical trials on postbiotics have demonstrated a multitude of beneficial health activities ranging from metabolic regulation and weight management to immunomodulation and antioxidant benefits. For example, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L-137 is a heat-killed postbiotic with extensive in-vitro and in-vivo data to support its ability to support the immune system by increasing both innate and acquired immunity. L-137 boosts interferon-beta levels, improves host defence against influenza and significantly reduces the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI’s) in stressed individuals. L-137 has also been demonstrated to decrease markers of inflammation such as ALT and improve lipid metabolism, as per total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, in healthy individuals with elevated BMI and baseline inflammation.

Similarly, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MCC-1849 is a heat-killed postbiotic that has been shown to reduce the common cold incidence, symptoms scores and total number of days with symptoms in susceptible individuals, and it can improve the antibody response in elderly individuals. Just like L-137, MCC-1849 appears to modulate the immune response through increased interleukin-12 (IL-12) and downstream effects such as natural killer cell activation. Clearly, postbiotic preparations have the capability to activate and alter the function of immune cells. Unlike probiotics, postbiotics provide the necessary bioactive compounds to offer these benefits even if microbiome function is disrupted by conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, small intestinal bowel overgrowth or dysbiosis.

Perhaps the most interesting, and arguably the most important, feature of a postbiotic is its quorum sensing capability. Quorum sensing refers to the communication tactics of bacteria both within its species and between species using signalling proteins. It is responsible for preventing colonisation of pathogenic bacteria and helping to regulate and balance microbial populations within the microbiome. Direct supplementation with postbiotics delivers a greater amount of these quorum sensing signalling proteins, ultimately improving the communication of microflora to regulate proper immune responses and bacterial counts.

Flora Matrix Postbiotics by Cyto-Matrix contains heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L-137 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MCC1849, in evidence-based dosages, to deliver a natural blend of enzymes, metabolites and other bioactive compounds that support the immune response and nurture the microbiome. Flora Matrix Postbiotics can be taken in addition to prebiotics and probiotics, but also function independently and provide health benefits when taken as a solo therapy. Each blister pack box contains 30 shelf-stable capsules and is gluten and soy-free.