The Role of Enzymes, Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics

Digestive enzymes are tiny proteins that help to break down food into constituents that the body can absorb and use. Prebiotics are dietary fibers that act as fuel for the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria, while probiotics are microorganisms that can be taken in supplement form and provide numerous benefits to the gut, immune system, brain, and overall health. 

Postbiotics are the active substances produced by probiotics during their growth, and also support gut health.

Digestive enzymes are proteins naturally produced by the body (mainly the pancreas) to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This process allows the food components to be easily absorbed into the bloodstream and used by the body.¹

It’s worth noting that the pancreas becomes less efficient at producing gastric acid and digestive enzymes with age, which can affect digestion as you get older. This is when supplementing with digestive enzymes can be helpful.²

Probiotics are not enzymes and do not break down food as enzymes do. Probiotics are live bacteria that live in the intestines. Species such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria ferment carbohydrates, which produce various beneficial compounds, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that provide fuel for cells and many other health benefits.³ SCFAs also help maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, and produce antimicrobial substances to ward off harmful bacteria.⁴

While digestive enzymes break down food, prebiotics are fermented by certain strains of gut bacteria. This fermentation process produces beneficial compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids, that support gut health and many other bodily systems.⁵

Prebiotics are a non-digestible dietary fiber that acts as food for beneficial gut bacteria (probiotics). Think of prebiotics as the ‘fertilizer’ and probiotics as the seeds that ‘sow’ and generate the gut microbiome.

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that act as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut. Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds produced when the probiotic bacteria break down (ferment) prebiotics.

People with MTHFR genetic mutations may be affected by nutritional deficiencies, particularly in folate and B12. Chronic deficiency in these nutrients can lead to elevated homocysteine, which can then increase inflammation in the body.

Digestive enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotics can work together to optimize digestive function and nutritional absorption from food, which is critical for those with MTHFR.

Prebiotics and probiotics also contribute to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate and butyrate. These SCFAs help protect the brain from neuroinflammation and are involved in several processes linked to depression, including poor blood flow to the brain, hormone imbalances, and changes in gene activity. Probiotic supplementation has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of mood disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety, as well as behavioral disorders, ADHD and autism.⁶

These conditions are more prevalent in people with MTHFR mutations.