Gut Health and Next-Gen Biotics: Beyond Traditional Probiotics
When it comes to emerging gut health research, we all want to know, what’s next? Next-Generation Biotics, or next-gen biotics for short, are currently stealing the spotlight.
What are Next-Generation Biotics? Defining the New Frontier
If you’re reading this, you are likely up to speed on probiotics and prebiotics, but if you need a refresher, check out this article. While well-established as an essential part of gut health, the research is moving beyond your traditional probiotic strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The category of next-gen biotics we are covering today is defined as live bacteria that, when delivered in the right amount, provide a health benefit to humans. This is based on studies conducted over the past few decades in both mouse and human research.
The three types of next-gen biotics we will define today include Live Biotherapeutics (LBPs), postbiotics, and psychobiotics.
LBPs: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines LBPs as “living organisms, including microbes (that are) pertinent to preventing, treating, or alleviating human diseases or conditions, and are not a form of vaccine.” Unlike probiotics, which are classified as a supplement, LBPs are regulated as drugs.
LBPs are a targeted approach to disease management. One example of their use is in the treatment of Clostridium difficile infections. There are currently two FDA-approved LBPs for treating C. diff, both of which use fecal microbiota to prevent recurrence after treatment. LBPs are being continuously studied for their use in treating diseases like cancer and other metabolic disorders.
Psychobiotics: Psychobiotics are another category of next-gen biotics that act as a targeted therapy, this time by addressing the gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis is a system that enables gut microbes to interact with the brain and influence behavior and mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. We know that probiotics may have a general effect on the gut-brain axis, but psychobiotics take it a step further. They are types of probiotics that may have a benefit when provided in specifically defined quantities.
While researchers are still working to understand their exact mechanisms of action, one proposed mechanism is the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by certain probiotics. These are metabolic byproducts that play important roles in the immune system, the anti-inflammatory response, the blood-brain barrier, and even neurotransmission. Some psychobiotics have been observed to decrease cortisol levels and reduce depression and anxiety. They are also being studied for their use in Autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Postbiotics: Postbiotics are the metabolic byproducts of probiotic fermentation in the gut. They can include the previously mentioned SCFAs, vitamins including B and K, amino acids, and more. These byproducts are beneficial to our well-being. We can encourage postbiotic formation by consuming enough prebiotic foods, like fermented kefir, tempeh, and sauerkraut.
Specific health benefits of postbiotics include improved digestive health, making them a potential treatment modality for irritable bowel diseases. They may also help to improve the immune system and inflammatory conditions. There is some evidence that postbiotics may increase the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies or reduce treatment side effects. As with other next-gen biotics, there is a wealth of research to continue exploring the uses of postbiotics.
The Future of Gut Health: Safety, Efficacy, and Regulatory Hurdles for Next-Gen Biotics
While we are continuing to gather data on next-gen biotics, we are becoming more hopeful about their use in treating or supporting the primary treatment of disease. However, for many next-gen biotics, the road ahead may still be long. Because of their nature and designation as drugs rather than supplements, these biotics require more rigorous research on safety and efficacy prior to FDA authorization. Research must progress to preclinical trials and, eventually, clinical trials prior to authorization.
In addition to identifying and approving specific varieties for treatment, researchers are exploring the concept of engineered LBPs. These are genetically or metabolically modified microorganisms that may be used to prevent or treat diseases. Engineering may enhance the precision and accuracy of drugs in achieving their targeted outcomes. Possible areas for their use include inflammatory bowel disease, skin conditions, and even cancer treatment.
For next-gen biotics, the stage is being set for them to be the next big thing in the gut health world. While there have already been some approved uses, the sky seems to be the limit for their scope and reach. We just need to stay tuned to see which star emerges next.
FAQs
What is the difference between probiotics and next-generation biotics?
Traditional probiotics are live microorganisms that may provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Next-generation biotics include newer categories such as live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), psychobiotics, and postbiotics, which are being studied for more targeted effects on specific health conditions. Some next-generation biotics may eventually be regulated as medical therapies rather than dietary supplements.
What are postbiotics?
Postbiotics are beneficial compounds produced when microorganisms ferment certain foods or fibers in the gut. These compounds include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), vitamins, amino acids, and other metabolites that may support digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being. Researchers are actively studying how postbiotics may contribute to health and disease management.
Are psychobiotics proven to improve mental health?
Psychobiotics are an emerging area of research focused on the connection between the gut microbiome and the brain. Early studies suggest that certain microbial strains may influence stress, mood, anxiety, and other aspects of mental health through the gut-brain axis. However, research is still developing, and psychobiotics should not be considered a replacement for evidence-based mental health treatments.
Can I buy next-generation biotics at the store?
Some products marketed as probiotics or postbiotic supplements are commercially available, but many next-generation biotics discussed in research—particularly live biotherapeutic products (LBPs)—are not widely available as consumer products. Certain LBPs are regulated as drugs and require extensive clinical testing and regulatory approval before they can be prescribed for specific conditions.
Should I take a next-generation biotic supplement for gut health?
At this time, there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for next-generation biotic supplements. The most appropriate approach depends on your health status, symptoms, and medical history. If you are considering a supplement for digestive or overall health, discuss it with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian who can help you evaluate the available evidence and determine whether it is appropriate for your needs.
References
1Abouelela, M. E., & Helmy, Y. A. (2024). Next-Generation Probiotics as Novel Therapeutics for Improving Human Health: Current Trends and Future Perspectives. Microorganisms, 12(3), 430. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030430
2Del Toro-Barbosa, M., Hurtado-Romero, A., Garcia-Amezquita, L. E., & García-Cayuela, T. (2020). Psychobiotics: Mechanisms of Action, Evaluation Methods and Effectiveness in Applications with Food Products. Nutrients, 12(12), 3896. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123896
3Cheng, L. H., Liu, Y. W., Wu, C. C., Wang, S., & Tsai, Y. C. (2019). Psychobiotics in mental health, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Journal of food and drug analysis, 27(3), 632–648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2019.01.002
4Homayouni Rad, A., Aghebati Maleki, L., Samadi Kafil, H., Fathi Zavoshti, H., & Abbasi, A. (2021). Postbiotics as Promising Tools for Cancer Adjuvant Therapy. Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin, 11(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.34172/apb.2021.007
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