Key Takeaways
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Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support the gut microbiome.
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Prebiotics are fibers that feed beneficial bacteria already living in the gut.
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When used together, prebiotics and probiotics are called synbiotics, and they support overall gut health.
You’ve probably heard that probiotics are good for gut health. Then someone brings up prebiotics, and suddenly, it feels like you need a biology degree just to buy a supplement.
The good news is that the difference is actually pretty straightforward. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics nourish and help them thrive. They work together, but they do very different jobs.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that support the balance of bacteria in the gut when consumed in adequate amounts. Your gut microbiome contains trillions of microorganisms that play a role in digestion, immune function, and overall wellness.
Some of the most commonly studied probiotic strains belong to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families. You’ll naturally find probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
At Physician’s Choice, you’ll also find them in supplements like our 60 Billion Probiotic , which contains multiple probiotic strains designed to support digestive and gut health.
One thing many people don’t realize is that probiotics don’t permanently stay in the gut. They temporarily move through the digestive tract, which is one reason consistency matters when taking them.
How Do I Take Probiotics?
Most people take probiotics once daily, often on an empty stomach or first thing in the morning. The idea is to give the bacteria the best chance of making it through the stomach acid and into the gut. However, it’s important to ensure your probiotic is an acid-resistant capsule to ensure it gets to where it needs to be, so you don't have to worry about the timing of taking it.
Some people choose to take probiotics daily as part of a broader wellness routine, while others reach for them during periods of digestive disruption or after taking antibiotics.
What Are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed beneficial bacteria already living in the gut. Unlike probiotics, prebiotics don’t add new bacteria to the microbiome. They help nourish the bacteria that are already there.
That’s an important distinction because not all fiber is prebiotic fiber. Prebiotics are specific types of fiber that beneficial gut bacteria can ferment and use as fuel.
Common prebiotic fibers include inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which are naturally found in foods like:
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Garlic
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Onions
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Bananas
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Asparagus
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Leeks
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Chicory root
When gut bacteria break down prebiotic fibers, they produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids, including butyrate, which support colon health and overall digestive wellness.
How Do I Take Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are often consumed through fiber-rich foods, but they’re also available in supplement form. Products like our Fiber Gummies contain chicory root inulin, a prebiotic fiber that helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Unlike probiotics, prebiotics don’t depend as much on timing. What matters most is consistent intake and gradually increasing prebiotic fiber so your digestive system has time to adjust.
How Do Prebiotics and Probiotics Work Better Together?
When prebiotics and probiotics are combined, they’re called synbiotics. Here’s a practical way to think about it: probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics help feed those bacteria once they’re there. In other words, they’re often more effective together than separately.
That’s the idea behind products like our Probiotic Gummies , which combines probiotic strains with an efficacious dose of prebiotic fiber in one formula.
Should You Get Prebiotics and Probiotics From Food or Supplements?
Most experts recommend a food-first approach when possible. Fermented foods naturally contain probiotics, while fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains provide prebiotic fibers. Eating a variety of plant-based foods is one of the simplest ways to support a healthier gut environment.
That said, most people don’t get enough prebiotic fiber through food alone. The vast majority of adults fall short of the recommended daily fiber intake . Supplements can help fill nutritional gaps, especially for people with busy schedules or diets that don’t consistently include enough prebiotic-rich foods.
The goal isn’t to replace whole foods. Ideally, supplements work alongside a balanced diet rather than instead of one.
So Which One Do You Need?
If you’re trying to decide between a prebiotic and a probiotic, it helps to think about what role each one plays.
Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut. Prebiotics help feed and support those bacteria. Many people use both as part of a broader gut health routine because they work together rather than compete with each other.
Of course, gut health is highly individual. Some people focus more on probiotics, while others realize they simply aren’t getting enough fiber in their diet.
In many cases, the best starting point is consistency. Eating more probiotic-rich foods and prebiotic-rich fibers, staying hydrated, and building a sustainable supplement routine is enough to support your gut health in the long-term.
Conclusion
Prebiotics and probiotics are often grouped together, but they play very different roles in the gut.
Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics help feed those bacteria and support their growth. Together, they form a complementary relationship that may help support digestive and gut health over time.
If you’re looking to support your gut health routine, Physician’s Choice offers both standalone probiotic formulas and combination prebiotic-probiotic options designed to fit into everyday life and support gut health .
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
FAQs
What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are fibers that feed beneficial bacteria already living in the gut.
Can you take prebiotics and probiotics together?
Yes. When they’re combined, they’re called synbiotics because the prebiotics help support the probiotics.
Are prebiotics a type of fiber?
Yes. Prebiotics are a specific type of non-digestible fiber that beneficial gut bacteria can ferment and use as fuel.
What foods naturally contain probiotics?
Foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso naturally contain probiotics.
Sources:
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 | Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Prebiotics, Probiotics, & Gut Health | International Food Information Council
Prebiotics: Understanding Their Role In Gut Health | Harvard Health
Your Digestive System: 5 Ways to Support Gut Health | Johns Hopkins Medicine