Probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotics are live micro-organisms, mostly bacteria from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, found naturally in yoghurt, kefir and raw sauerkraut. As food supplements, they are concentrated in capsules and dosed in billions of CFU (colony-forming units), so you know exactly what you are taking.

Our gut is home to billions of bacteria, now known as the microbiota (formerly the “intestinal flora”). Its balance is upset by the pace of city life: meals eaten on the go, stress, lack of sleep, travel, changes of season. These are the moments when many of our customers choose a course of probiotics.

Every strain has its own identity, made up of three elements: the genus, the species and the strain (for example Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG). Two products showing the same species name are therefore not necessarily equivalent. To find out more, read our guide how to choose the right probiotic strains.

These three words look alike but do not mean the same thing. Probiotics are the live bacteria themselves. Prebiotics are fibres (inulin, FOS, acacia fibre…) that we do not digest and that feed the good bacteria already present in the gut. Finally, postbiotics are inactivated bacteria or the substances they produce: they are no longer alive, which makes them very stable.

When a product combines probiotics and prebiotics in the same capsule, it is called a synbiotic formula. It is a logical approach: you provide the bacteria and, at the same time, what they feed on. In this category you will therefore also find formulas containing prebiotics, such as Novoma’s Formule Probio (acacia fibre) or Nutripure‘s Pure Bio² (inulin and FOS).

On your plate, prebiotics are found naturally in garlic, onion, leek, artichoke, asparagus, slightly green bananas and wholegrain cereals. A varied diet, rich in plant foods, remains the foundation.

At Herba Barona, we have chosen a small selection of products with a clear composition: named strains, CFU count stated, capsules designed to get through the stomach.

Dynveo’s Probio 4 in 60 capsules brings together four patented, well-documented strains (LGG, BB-12, LA-5 and L. reuteri LRC) at 10 billion CFU, in gastro-resistant capsules. It also comes in a 28-capsule size, handy for travelling or for a first try.

Novoma’s Formule Probio is a synbiotic formula: six probiotic strains combined with acacia fibre, a gentle prebiotic. This is the one to look at if you want probiotics and prebiotics together.

Dynveo’s Postbio 3 follows a different logic: it combines inactivated strains (postbiotics) with vitamin D3, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Finally, Nutripure’s Pure Bio², a French brand, combines six strains with two prebiotics, inulin and FOS.

New: Greenwhey’s Probiotics & Prebiotics also brings together probiotics and prebiotic fibre in the same capsule.

And if you are looking for a prebiotic on its own, Dynveo’s organic acacia fibre powder mixes easily into water or a yoghurt.

Three simple questions help you find your way. Are the strains named precisely? A good product gives the full strain, not just the species. How many CFU per dose? Formulas usually range from 10 to 60 billion. Is the capsule gastro-resistant, so that the bacteria reach the gut?

Think about storage too. Our probiotics keep at room temperature, away from heat and moisture: simply avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or in a car in summer.

Probiotics naturally sit alongside our other supplements for digestion and transit. If in doubt, the team at our shop on rue Théophile Roussel will take the time to compare labels with you.

When should I take my probiotics?

Follow the directions for use shown on each box: they vary depending on the formula and the type of capsule. What matters most is regularity, taking the capsule every day at the same time.

Should I take prebiotics as well as probiotics?

It is not essential. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals already provides prebiotic fibre. If you would rather have everything in one, choose a synbiotic formula such as Novoma’s Formule Probio.

Do probiotics need to be kept cold?

The products we offer keep at room temperature, in a dry place away from heat. Always follow the storage instructions printed on the box.

Can I buy them in person in Paris?

Yes, the whole range is available in our shop in Paris. You can also order online and collect your order in store.

Find our probiotics in our food supplement shop, open since 2006 in the 12th arrondissement of Paris.

• Address: 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris
• Metro: Ledru-Rollin (line 8) or Bastille (lines 1, 5, 8)
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 6.30pm
• Phone: 01 43 42 43 80