What are probiotics, prebiotics & postbiotics?

A balanced gut is the foundation of overall health. From digestive health to brain function and skin resilience, more research is revealing how our internal ecosystem influences nearly every aspect of human health. 

Central to this ecosystem are three critical components: probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics. Together, they help create a thriving gut microbiome, improving everything from immune system regulation to digestive health, and mental clarity.

Understanding the differences between them—and how they work together—can empower you to support gut health, strengthen your gut barrier function, and protect against harmful bacteria that contribute to inflammation, imbalance, and even metabolic diseases.

The classic synergy: Probiotics + Prebiotics = Postbiotics

The powerful synergy of prebiotic and probiotic supplements results in the production of postbiotic compounds—beneficial byproducts that support both the gastrointestinal tract and broader metabolic functions. This closed-loop system enhances the health benefits across skin, gut, and brain, while promoting a healthy gut microbiome and more efficient mineral absorption.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are defined as "live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host."

Originally recognized by the World Health Organization and the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, the definition highlights that only well-characterized probiotic strains with proven results count as true probiotics.

To be effective, a probiotic supplement must:

• Contain live microorganisms that survive manufacturing and delivery

• Be present in clinically effective doses proven in clinical trials

• Provide measurable benefits to the host’s gut health, mood, or other health conditions

Not all gut bacteria are probiotics. Only those that show beneficial effects in the body, like improving digestive system function or supporting the immune system, qualify.

What are prebiotics? 

Prebiotics are prebiotic compounds—typically non-digestible fibers or complex carbohydrates—that are selectively utilized by beneficial gut bacteria to promote health.

According to ISAPP, prebiotics include ingredients such as inulin, FOS, and GOS that:

• Serve as fuel for beneficial microbes in the gut

• Increase short-chain fatty acids like butyrate

• Support a healthy gut microbiome and regulate the gut environment

While naturally present in prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, and bananas, prebiotic supplements are an effective way to increase intake and support gut health consistently.

What are postbiotics? 

Postbiotics are inactivated microbial cells or their components that offer a health benefit, without the need for live organisms. They include cell wall fragments, enzymes, and beneficial substances produced during fermentation.

Because they don’t rely on survival during digestion, postbiotics:

• Are more shelf-stable than live probiotics

• Offer targeted support for gut barrier function

• Deliver beneficial compounds like SCFAs, peptides, and signaling molecules

This makes them especially promising for those with allergic disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or sensitivities to live bacteria.

Pre, Pro, and Postbiotics in short

Prebiotics = Feed

They feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping them grow and thrive.

Probiotics = Live

Live microorganisms that support gut balance, immune defense, and digestive health.

Postbiotics = Shield

Bioactive compounds are created when probiotics digest prebiotics—these help calm inflammation, strengthen the gut barrier, and support whole-body health.

The Biologic Trifecta

Our Triple Biotic™ solution is a science-backed system designed to support the gut-skin-brain axis through the synergistic power of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. 

Each component plays a distinct yet complementary role: clinically studied probiotic strains promote digestive health, support the immune system, and help restore a healthy gut microbiome. 

Meanwhile, targeted prebiotic fibers selectively nourish these beneficial bacteria, enhancing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—essential compounds that regulate inflammation and improve the gut environment.

The result of this microbial synergy is the formation of postbiotic compounds: bioactive byproducts that help maintain a strong gut lining, strengthen the skin barrier, and positively influence brain health. These effects are supported by measurable improvements in key biological markers. 

By simultaneously feeding existing microbes, delivering live beneficial strains, and supplying inactivated microbial metabolites, this trifecta offers a comprehensive, clinically informed approach to overall gut health, mental clarity, and skin resilience.

Choosing a high-quality probiotic solution

Nourished3’s probiotics are science-backed & clinically proven

“Live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”

—Dr. Amine, Nourished3 Microbiologist

A high-quality probiotic supplement must be alive, well-studied, and clinically dosed:

• Survival: Must survive manufacturing, storage, and pass through the digestive system intact

• Dose: Must match the amount proven in clinical trials

• Function: Must offer evidence-based support for digestive health, immune system function, or other aspects of overall health
  

Choosing the right probiotic: Look beyond the label 

At Nourished3, we use advanced acid-resistant delivery technology to ensure our probiotic ingredients reach where they’re needed most, supporting a healthy gut microbiome and delivering measurable health benefits.

Targeted delivery with dual-capsule design

Our dual-capsule system houses clinically studied probiotics—Cerebiome® and Saccharomyces boulardii—as well as the mood-balancing adaptogen Safr’Inside™. Thanks to the protective outer capsule, this formulation bypasses the stomach and releases directly into the colon for enhanced potency and gut environment improvement.

Double protection with Bio-Support™ technology

Each probiotic supplement is embedded in a bioactive matrix using our proprietary Bio-Support™ Technology, which shields the probiotics during freeze-drying and transit. This added protection helps them withstand stomach acid, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, ensuring better shelf stability and higher survival rates. 

The result? Smarter delivery, better absorption, and real skin-gut-brain benefits. Because your probiotics should make it to the finish line, not just the starting point.

Is your probiotic backed by science?

At Nourished3, we prioritize scientifically validated probiotic supplementation. Our formula—featuring Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079, L. helveticus Rosell®-52, and B. longum Rosell®-175—includes clinically studied probiotic strains shown to support gut health, enhance immune system function, and promote a healthy gut microbiome. 

These beneficial bacteria have demonstrated synergistic effects in both preclinical and clinical research, offering proven health benefits across the gastrointestinal tract and beyond.

How gut health affects your skin

There is a well-established link between gut health and skin conditions. An imbalanced gut microbiome can compromise the gut lining, resulting in leaky gut and systemic inflammation. This cascade can lead to oxidative stress, excess sebum production, and inflammatory lesions—all of which contribute to acne and other skin disorders. Recent studies have highlighted the role of S. boulardii in restoring microbial balance and improving skin health.

Key research supporting S. boulardii

1. Kelesidis (2012) – Mechanisms of action

This review identified three primary mechanisms through which S. boulardii supports the skin-gut axis:

• Antimicrobial & neutralizing activity – Targets acne-associated harmful bacteria

•  Enhanced gut barrier function – Supports gut barrier integrity and reduces permeability

• Immune modulation – Regulates inflammatory pathways that affect skin function

These findings support the idea that a healthy gut microbiome can promote clearer skin and reduce inflammatory responses.

2. Weber (1989) – Acne improvement study

Model: Adults with acne vulgaris (5-month open-label study)

Key findings:

• Faster acne healing

• Significant improvement in skin appearance

• Reduction in inflammatory acne lesions

3. Stüttgen (1991) – Controlled acne trial

Model: Adults with acne vulgaris (5-month controlled trial, 300mg/day)

Key findings:

•  56.1% reduction in papules

•  Reduced skin inflammation and improved sebum regulation

• Noticeable reduction in acne severity

These studies highlight how S. boulardii supports gut health and reduces systemic inflammation, reinforcing its value in managing acne and promoting skin clarity.

Strain spotlight: Cerebiome® and the Gut-Brain Axis

Cerebiome® is a patented psychobiotic blend combining L. helveticus Rosell®-52 and B. longum Rosell®-175. With five published clinical trials, it is one of the most extensively studied formulations for the gut-brain axis, demonstrating significant effects on stress, mood, and mental well-being.

Clinical research supporting Cerebiome®

1. Diop (2008) – Gut-driven stress relief

• Model: Healthy adults

• Findings: Reduced stress-related digestive discomfort, reinforcing the gut-brain link.

2. Messaoudi (2010 & 2011) – Psychological stress reduction

• Model: Healthy adults

• Findings: Improved psychological well-being; foundational research on the role of the gut microbiota in emotional health.

3. Romijn (2017) – Sleep & stress in depressive patients

• Findings: Decreased sleep disruption and stress-related symptoms, supporting sleep quality and emotional balance.

4. Kazemi (2018) – Serotonin pathway modulation

• Findings: Significant reduction in depression scores; influenced tryptophan metabolism and neurotransmitter balance.

5. Wallace (2021) – Long-term mood and sleep benefits

• Findings: Reduced mood disturbances and improved sleep quality within 4–8 weeks, highlighting sustained gut-brain axis benefits.

Cerebiome®: A science-backed approach to mind and skin

Cerebiome® supports the gut environment, modulates the immune system, and improves neurotransmitter signaling molecules. This makes it a powerful tool for enhancing brain health, emotional resilience, and even skin health—all through the lens of the gut-brain-skin axis.

The Triple Biotic™ Advantage: Where skincare and supplements meet science

CLEAR SKIN — Postbiotic-infused skincare

Designed to renew and rebalance from the outside in, our CLEAR SKIN products include a potent postbiotic derived from fermented pomegranate to support a calm, radiant complexion. This gentle formula nurtures the skin microbiome while visibly improving texture, tone, and barrier integrity.

Active ingredient: Lactobacillus lactis / Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract

Our topical skincare line is powered by a next-generation postbiotic: Pomegranate Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate.

This postbiotic is created by fermenting pomegranate fruit with Lactobacillus, increasing the bioavailability of key beneficial compounds. It acts as a gentle, enzymatic exfoliant that boosts cellular turnover and supports a healthy skin microbiome, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Key skin benefits:

• Breaks down dead skin cells without irritation

• Boosts cellular turnover by 26%

• Reduces pigmentation by 14%

• Improves skin texture, radiance, and hydration

• Strengthens the skin barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss

• Calms redness and inflammation with chlorogenic acid

• Naturally defends against harmful bacteria

• Promotes long-term skin balance and wellness

Shop Clear Skin now 

CLARIFY WITHIN® — Clinically studied gut probiotic supplement

CLARIFY WITHIN® is a next-generation probiotic supplement formulated to support the gut-brain-skin axis. Backed by clinical research, it delivers targeted strains that help reduce inflammation, promote mood balance, and enhance digestive and skin health from within.

Active ingredients:

• Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell®-52

• Bifidobacterium longum Rosell®-175 

• Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 

This dual-action probiotic of 6 Billion CFU supplement supports the gut-brain-skin axis through strains shown to improve digestive health, emotional resilience, and skin clarity.

Targeted delivery:

• Dual-Capsule Design: An acid-resistant outer capsule delivers ingredients directly to the colon

• Bio-Support™ Technology: Encases the bacteria in a protective protein-polysaccharide matrix for enhanced survival through the digestive system

Clinical benefits based on third-party clinical research using this specific probiotic combination:

• 80%+ reported overall satisfaction

• 91% said they would recommend it

• Notable improvements in:
  

• Mood

• Gut comfort

• Daily resilience
  

Skin health outcomes after 8 weeks:

• +21% facial hydration

• +12% skin firmness

• +11% elasticity, 

• -16% facial wrinkles

• +17% skin uniformity, 

• +13% skin radiance

Mental well-being outcomes:

• Decreased depressive symptoms, cortisol, and anxiety

• Improved sleep, mood, and stress-related gastrointestinal symptoms

• 44% improvement in psychological signs of stress

Gut health outcomes:

• Boosts microbial diversity

• Reduces gastrointestinal discomfort

• Enhances gut barrier function and comfort by 39%

Launching in Q4 2025

CALM WITHIN® — Brain-health boosting prebiotic supplement

CALM WITHIN® is a science-backed prebiotic supplement featuring Livaux®, a golden kiwi extract that gently fuels beneficial microbes and promotes long-term gut-brain health. It’s designed to enhance microbial balance without discomfort, supporting emotional resilience and digestive ease.

Active ingredient: Livaux® ( freeze-dried golden kiwifruit powder)

Livaux® is a clinically validated prebiotic derived from golden kiwi, rich in polyphenols and prebiotic compounds like high-methoxy pectin. It ferments slowly along the colon, minimizing gas while supporting beneficial gut bacteria and probiotic performance.

Key features:

• 100% whole-fruit powder, no chemical modifications

• FODMAP-friendly and gentle on digestion

• Supports a balanced gut microbiome

• Improves tolerance and gut comfort

Launching in Q4 2025 

Skin-Gut-Brain Synergy 

Together, our Triple Biotic™ Advantage brings probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics into perfect harmony:

• Probiotics (Cerebiome® + S. boulardii) rebalance the gut microbiota, reduce inflammation, and promote emotional balance.

• Prebiotics (Livaux®) feed these beneficial microbes, enhancing SCFA production and minimizing digestive discomfort.

• Postbiotics (Pomegranate Ferment Lysate) exfoliate and hydrate, calming the skin and restoring the skin microbiome.

The result is a truly holistic system that supports mental well-being, overall gut health, and long-term skin vitality—from the inside out.

Nourished3 is currently conducting its own clinical study to further validate these findings, with results expected to be published between September and October 2025.

Let us help you build a diverse microbiome, balance the gut-skin axis, and accomplish visible and lasting results.

Disclaimer: 

*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.