When should you take pre- and probiotics?
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Leesduur: 4 min
There's an interesting collaboration going on in our intestines between prebiotics and probiotics. It's no wonder they're often mentioned together and appear as a duo in supplements.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support your gut, while prebiotics provide food for these bacteria. You'll find them not only in supplements but also in foods like yogurt, fermented products, fiber-rich vegetables, and fruits.
Did you know that the time you take prebiotics and probiotics determines their effectiveness? This article explains how and when to use them for maximum effect.
Probiotics are living microorganisms that support your intestines; take them on an empty stomach or before bed.
Prebiotics, or nutritious fibers, are taken with a meal: they feed beneficial bacteria and aid digestion.
During a course of antibiotics, first take antibiotics, after two hours probiotics, and continue taking them for two weeks after your course.
Table of contents
What's the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? When should you take probiotics? When should you take prebiotics? Probiotics and antibiotics: How do you combine them? When is the best time to take probiotics during antibiotic treatment? Prebiotics for sensitive intestines: A good probiotic supplement with prebiotics
What is the difference between pre- and probiotics?
To start, it's good to understand the difference between probiotics and prebiotics:
- Probiotics are living microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeasts, that can support your gut flora. You get them by eating fermented foods like yogurt or kefir.
- Prebiotics are dietary fibers that aren't broken down by your small intestine and therefore arrive intact in your large intestine. There, they serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria, which ferment them and produce short-chain fatty acids.
These fatty acids not only support intestinal bacteria, but also contribute to the health of your intestines. (1) (2) (3)
When do you take probiotics?
Probiotics, the bacteria themselves, are best taken on an empty stomach, for example, in the morning upon waking or before bed. This allows the bacteria to more easily pass through the acidic stomach and reach the intestines.
However, some people don't tolerate this well and may experience mild stomach upset. In that case, you can take them with a light meal.
Note : Avoid hot drinks or alcohol around the same time, as these can kill the (part of) bacteria.
When should you take prebiotics?
Most people tolerate prebiotics best with a meal. This helps them break down more slowly, allowing beneficial gut bacteria to be optimally utilized.
In low doses, you can also take prebiotics together with probiotics.
Besides timing around meals, the use of antibiotics also plays an important role in taking pre- and probiotics. Here are a few additional considerations:
Probiotics and Antibiotics: How to Combine Them?
Many people therefore choose to use foods or supplements with specific bacterial strains during and after a course of antibiotics to support their intestinal flora.
This makes sense, because antibiotics kill not only harmful bacteria, but also some of the good bacteria. That's why it's wise to take probiotics during a course of antibiotics, but not simultaneously!
When is the best time to take probiotics during a course of antibiotics?
To get the best possible results from both your antibiotic treatment and the probiotics, follow these guidelines:
- Start within 2 days – Start probiotics within two days of your first dose of antibiotics. Research has shown this to be most effective. (4)
- Always take the antibiotics first and the probiotics 2 hours later – Take probiotics at least two hours after your antibiotics to prevent the good bacteria from being destroyed immediately.
- Continue taking probiotics for another 2 weeks after your treatment – this helps to restore the balance of your intestinal flora.
Good to know : Some studies suggest that starting probiotics beforehand can also have benefits, but you will get the most benefit from taking them during and after the course of antibiotics.
Prebiotics for sensitive intestines
Prebiotics can in some cases cause digestive problems, such as bloating or flatulence.
This happens more often if you have a sensitive gut. Therefore, start with a low dose and gradually increase it.
In short : Want to optimally support your gut health? Combine probiotics on an empty stomach with plenty of prebiotic food later in the day, and be extra careful when using antibiotics!
Good probiotic supplement with prebiotics
The ideal probiotic supplement contains not only a diverse mix of bacterial strains in the correct dosage , but also prebiotics . This combination, called synbiotics, optimally supports your intestinal flora.
Preferably choose a supplement that combines probiotics and prebiotics in an acid-resistant capsule . This way, the bacteria reach your intestines alive.
Our Probiotics Premium meets all these criteria and also contains glutamine and vitamin C for extra support.
And good news: Our renewed formula is even more powerful, with no less than 25 billion CFU per dose!
Ebrina van der Bijl
Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.
Sources used
- Ju, X., Jiang, Z., Ma, J., & Yang, D. (2024). Changes in Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids in IBS Patients and Effects of Different Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 16(11), 1727. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111727
- Facchin, S., Bertin, L., Bonazzi, E., Lorenzon, G., De Barba, C., Barberio, B., Zingone, F., Maniero, D., Scarpa, M., Ruffolo, C., Angriman, I., & Savarino, E.V. (2024). Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Human Health: From Metabolic Pathways to Current Therapeutic Implications. Life, 14(5), 559. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050559
- Alvandi, E., Wong, W.K.M., Joglekar, M.V., Spring, K.J., & Hardikar, A.A. (2022). Short-chain fatty acid concentrations in the incidence and risk-stratification of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Medicine, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-022-02529-4
- Zhang, L., Zeng, X., Guo, D., Zou, Y., Gan, H., & Huang, X. (2022). Early use of probiotics might prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea in elderly (>65 years): a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatrics , 22 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03257-3
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