Essential Formulas

Gut Instinct: The biotics and enzymes market remains strong thanks to educated consumers. By Mike Straus

Michael Fields — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:14:38 +0000

ARTICLE SOURCE: https://vitaminretailer.com/digitaledition/vitamin-retailer-august-2026/?fb3d-page=30

Mike Straus

July 30, 2026

The biotics and enzymes market remains strong thanks to educated consumers

Biotics and enzymes have a long history of use in the supplements space, and for good reason—they’re effective. Historically, these products have been used to improve gut health and help balance bacteria levels in the intestines. Now, though, biotics and enzymes are growing in popularity for both immune health and overall systemic balance. Different strains of biotics and different types of enzymes are showing promise in different areas, giving formulators and retailers flexibility with respect to applications. Here are just some of the emerging trends driving the biotics and enzymes space.

Biotics and Enzymes Market Niches Down

The biotics and enzymes market remains strong, said Aaron Gillam, president of supplement brand Arthur Andrew Medical in Scottsdale, AZ. However, Gillam noted, the market is becoming more educated and more specific.

“For a long time, gut health was treated almost like a single category, and the answer was usually probiotics,” Gillam said. “Today, consumers understand that gut health involves many different tools: probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, digestive enzymes, systemic enzymes and targeted nutrients that support the gut barrier. We’re seeing enzymes becoming a much more important part of that conversation.”

Gillam noted that digestive enzymes are no longer viewed only as something to take for occasional gas or bloating after a heavy meal. Instead, he said, consumers are connecting enzymes to food tolerance, nutrient absorption, aging, high-protein diets, GLP-1 weight-loss medications, and post-gallbladder digestive challenges.

“Systemic enzymes are also gaining interest as consumers look for natural ways to support healthy circulation, tissue recovery, immune balance, and a normal inflammatory response,” Gillam added. “That is a different category from digestive enzymes, but it’s becoming part of the broader whole-body wellness conversation.”

Mark G. Walin, senior vice president of business development & marketing for Bio-Cat in Troy, VA, said that digestive enzymes rank among the top three health supplement ingredients according to Nutrition Business Journal. Meanwhile, he said, the human probiotic market is expected to grow by 7 percent through to 2028.

Pre- and post-biotic offerings continue to grow as well, said Ramona Billingslea, marketing and education manager at supplement retailer Betsy’s Health Foods in Spring, TX. Manufacturers, she said, are now offering more targeted formulations, while parabiotics are an interesting addition to the category that will likely grow.

Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN, is a pharmacist, nutritionist, health educator and the scientific director of supplement brand Essential Formulas in Farmers Branch, TX. Pelton noted that consumers increasingly look to microbiome support for immune health, nutrient utilization, skin health, mood, metabolic health and overall wellness.

“Probiotics remain the most familiar segment, but postbiotics are gaining significant attention because they help explain how beneficial bacteria influence the body,” Pelton explained. “In our view, the most exciting development is the growing recognition that the benefits of fermented probiotic products are not only tied to living organisms themselves, but also to the beneficial metabolites and compounds produced during fermentation.”

HealthAid America National Sales Manager Nitesh Khakhar in Sunnyvale, CA noted that consumers are increasingly connecting gut health to mood, energy and overall wellness, which is behind the market’s strength. Demand, Khakhar said, is shifting toward targeted solutions for areas such as women’s health, travel, healthy aging and gut-brain support.

Precision Products Emerge

Gillam said that the most substantial improvement in the biotics space is precision. Companies, he explained, are now moving away from generic enzyme blends and toward formulas built around a clear purpose.

“A digestive enzyme product meant for general meal support shouldn’t look the same as a formula designed for high-fat meals, gluten and casein support, protein digestion, or people using GLP- 1 medications,” Gillam explained. “Each of those situations has a different digestive challenge.”

Gillam said formulators are also now paying more attention to activity levels and not just ingredient names. With enzymes, the milligram amount doesn’t tell the whole story—what matters is activity. A label may list multiple enzymes and their weight, but consumers and retailers are getting better at understanding the importance of activity units.

“Manufacturers are also improving products by thinking beyond traditional category formulas,” Gillam said. “In the past, many formulas were built by combining the same well-known ingredients in each category. The next level of formulation is asking how to make those ingredients work better in the body.”

This, Gillam said, is where enzymes get interesting. Systemic enzymes like nattokinase, serrapeptase and other proteolytic enzymes may help support circulation, healthy tissue function, and normal inflammatory balance, which can result in much more effective formulas when combined with targeted herbs or condition-specific ingredients.

Targeted Formulations Replace “Kitchen Sink” Products

Biotics and enzymes are becoming increasingly benefit-specific, said Cori Lorts, PhD, RDN, senior nutrition scientist at supplement producer Piping Rock Health Products in Bohemia, NY.

Formulas are now calling out specific benefits like support for gas and bloating rather than just overall health support.

“As consumer awareness of probiotics grows, we’re seeing probiotics added to more supplement categories outside of the digestive space,” Lorts explained. “The gut microbiome is becoming a platform for innovation across the supplement aisle, not just within the digestive segment.”

Another emerging trend in biotics and enzymes is supplements that support the GLP-1 community, explained Jay Levy, director of sales at Wakunaga of America in Mission Viejo, CA. Levy said that while there are no direct studies on the benefits of digestive enzymes in GLP-1 patients, research does show that supplementing with digestive enzymes can ease dyspepsia, which affects some GLP-1 users.

“Another trend is the growing popularity of chewable probiotics geared specifically for children,” Levy said. “Studies suggest that a daily probiotic can support a child’s cognitive and immune health. Other research suggests that routinely supplementing with probiotics can help prevent seasonal allergies in kids.”

Levy cautioned, however, that the gut health supplement market is expanding at a pace that far outstrips the science meant to validate it. New prebiotic, probiotic and digestive enzyme products are flooding retail shelves and e-commerce platforms by the month, many touting novel strains or “breakthrough” formulations with little more than marketing claims to support them.

“In this environment, it becomes critically important not to overlook formulas that have earned their credibility through rigorous, peer-reviewed study,” Levy said. “There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different strains that live in the gut microbiome.

Science is still working to figure out how these different strains impact human health.” Levy noted that Wakunaga’s own branded Kyo-Dophilus line is an example of a science-first product development. Each formula in the line is built around three biocompatible human strains that have been subject to clinical studies documenting their efficacy in supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

Delivery Mechanisms Present Challenges

Biotic and enzyme delivery systems are rapidly diversifying. Walin noted that gummies have become one of the most popular supplement delivery formats due to their superior taste, texture and consumer appeal compared with traditional tablets and capsules. However, he said, gummy formulations present unique technical challenges because only certain ingredients can withstand the high temperatures and processing conditions required during manufacturing.

“For example, Bacillus probiotics are highly heat-stable and can survive gummy production, whereas many Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains cannot,” Walin explained. “Enzymes present a different challenge: Because they are biologically active catalysts, they can become active within the gummy matrix and begin degrading structural components, potentially compromising product stability and texture before consumption.”

As a result, Walin said, formulators seeking to combine probiotics, enzymes, and other sensitive ingredients should consider delivery formats like capsules, powders or tablets, which offer greater formulation flexibility and improved stability.

Lorts noted that powders offer a unique advantage among delivery systems: They can deliver higher amounts of active ingredients, such as fiber. One example of this is Rainbow Light Daily Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder, which includes 20 billion CFUs of probiotics per serving to support regularity and gut health, along with 4.4 g of prebiotic fiber to feed good bacteria.

“Like powders, chewable tablets allow for the inclusion of a variety of probiotic strains, creating many opportunities for innovation,” Lorts said. “Renew Life Ultimate Flora Kids Probiotic Chewable Tablets offer 3 billion CFU of probiotics per tablet, and include the most studied strain, L. rhamnosus GG.”

Liquids, Lorts noted, are another innovative delivery system, especially for babies and very young children. Rainbow Light recently launched its USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Certified Organic Baby Probiotic Liquid Drops, which offer 2.5 billion CFU of L. rhamnosus GG in liquid form.

Consumer Preferences Influence Production

Khakhar said that today’s consumers are looking beyond potency claims, focusing on specific strains, targeted formulations, ingredient quality and transparency. Pelton, meanwhile, explained that consumers want products they can understand and trust.

Retailers can help consumers by moving the conversation beyond “more CFUs must be better.” Instead, Pelton noted, consumers benefit from learning that strain selection, fermentation, metabolites, survivability and product quality are all part of the value equation.

Lorts said that consumer awareness around the connection between gut health and other areas of the body is growing, which means consumers are looking beyond digestive health benefits to find probiotics that offer multiple benefits. When looking at enzyme supplements, consumers want a well-rounded variety of enzymes that will help them digest their meals comfortably.

Emerging Studies Demonstrate Efficacy

Pelton noted that science continues to support the idea that the microbiome plays a major role in human health; however, emerging studies demonstrate that not all products are equal. Benefits, he said, are strain-specific, formulation-specific, and dependent on product quality.

“The growing science around postbiotics is especially important,” he said. “Researchers now recognize that non-living microbial components and the compounds produced through fermentation can contribute to health benefits. This validates what traditional fermented foods have suggested for generations: Beneficial microbes influence health not only by being present, but also by what they produce.”

While much of the probiotic category historically focused on viable cell counts, Pelton said, today’s science is increasingly examining the role of microbial metabolites, cell components and fermentation-derived compounds in human health.

Walin explained that Bio-Cat has developed and published a predictive testing platform based on the INFOGEST static in-vitro simulation of gastrointestinal digestion. This validated methodology helps Bio-Cat to evaluate custom combinations of enzymes, probiotics and other active ingredients before advancing to human clinical trials, enabling rapid assessment of potential efficacy and formulation performance.

“This approach provides valuable scientific and technical insights early in the development process, helping identify the most promising formulations and informing potential claims, product positioning and clinical study design,” Walin said. “By entering the clinical phase with a stronger understanding of the likelihood of success, our partners can make more informed development decisions while reducing time and resource investments.”

Walin noted that human clinical studies are then subsequently conducted through Bio-Cat’s partner CROs and academic institutions. One example is the clinical work completed on Bio-Cat’s branded OPTIZIOME P3 Hydrolyzer, which enhanced net 0–1-hour plasma EAA and BCAA availability from whey protein by 14 and 15 percent, respectively, compared to placebo.

Retailers Face Consumer Confusion, Market Saturation

As probiotics become increasingly ubiquitous in consumers’ daily wellness routines, the space is now approaching saturation, Walin said. What remains largely unmet is the delivery of an immediate, noticeable benefit that consumers can experience before they abandon a new regimen. Enzymes, Walin noted, are uniquely positioned to fill this role, providing a tangible, near-term benefit that enhances the perceived value of probiotics and strengthens consumer engagement with the category.

“By combining enzymes and probiotics, formulators can create complementary solutions that leverage multiple mechanisms of action to support digestive wellness and overall health,” Walin said. While the biotics and enzymes space is growing, retailers and brands are facing a certain amount of confusion from consumers.

Pelton noted that consumer confusion is the most substantial challenge facing the biotics and enzymes market; the terminology can be overwhelming, and many consumers still judge probiotics based on CFU count. Retailers also must navigate a crowded shelf full of products making similar claims.

“Companies can overcome this through education, transparency and responsible messaging,” Pelton said. “Retailers should help consumers understand what makes products different: strain selection, fermentation process, stability, postbiotic content, research and brand credibility.

Brands also must be careful not to overstate claims. Responsible structure-function communication is essential.”

Biotics Full of Promise

Gillam said that the next generation of enzymes and biotics will focus on personalization and purpose-built formulas. Instead of one probiotic for everyone, or one enzyme blend for everyone, the market will see more formulas designed around specific needs. He predicted that there will be formulas for GLP-1 users, high-protein diets, fat digestion, immune resilience, women’s health, circulation, recovery and more.

“We’ll also see more science around postbiotics, microbial metabolites and next-generation probiotics,” Gillam noted. “Consumers are beginning to understand that the benefits of the microbiome are not only about which bacteria are present, but also about what those bacteria produce and how those compounds interact with the immune system, nervous system and intestinal barrier.”

The biotics and enzymes market is experiencing rapid growth and simultaneous diversification as consumers look for products that can address specific health concerns. Consumers are increasingly seeking out reputable, application-specific products with clinical validation, and suppliers and brands are meeting this demand with validated strains and enzymes designed with particular purposes in mind. As this space grows, expect convenience and proven benefits to drive consumer demand.

Common Signs Your Probiotic Is Working – How to Tell?

Ross Pelton — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:50:39 +0000

Original Post Date: March 9, 2021

Assessing Your Probiotics:
Signs They're Making a Difference

A great place to begin a discussion about how probiotics work is by understanding what they are and why the health and wellness profession is so interested in them. Researchers find them so fascinating that more than 1,000 studies on the effects of probiotics on the human body are currently registered on the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform.

Interested in Probiotics?

Try Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics or Dr. Ohhira’s Professional Formula to help with digestive health.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are microbes that confer positive health effects on the host when introduced into the human body. These microbes are available naturally in certain fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso. Naturally cultured beverages such as kefir, buttermilk, and kombucha also contain probiotics.

Probiotic supplements are an effective and convenient way to add probiotics to your diet. Make sure to choose a quality probiotic supplement like Dr. Ohhira’s that has multiple strains and is free from potential allergens, unwanted bacteria, chemicals, and pesticides.

Many different bacteria are considered probiotics, but most come from strains of three types of genera: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and a yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii.

The Probiotic Triad

There are three elements to think about when you take a probiotic. Let’s explore the probiotic triad and how each of the three elements work.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are the food probiotics consume and thrive on. These include foods that contain resistant starches, such as legumes, beans, green bananas, oats, tomatoes, and apples. These starches are “resistant” because they do not break down in your small intestine, but probiotics consume them in the large intestine if they are present.

Probiotics

Probiotics are microorganisms that, when introduced into the body, grow and colonize, generating positive effects in the gut, and influencing many other body systems as well. The most-studied strains are Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB12.

Postbiotics

Postbiotics are the products of the probiotics’ actions in the body. Postbiotics include enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, and short-chain fatty acids that regulate inflammation and metabolism and help with multiple conditions. Most of the positive effects of probiotics on the body come from postbiotics.

What do Effective Probiotics Feel Like?

Probiotics effects usually begin in the gastrointestinal tract but influence systems throughout the body. People frequently use probiotics to help with complaints such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, inflammation, and abdominal discomfort. Improvement in these symptoms is a way to judge if the probiotic is working. Healthy stools should be well-formed and not too hard, loose, or watery.

Most people experience an occasional “bad stool day,” which is relatively common and not particularly serious. However, if diarrhea or constipation is an ongoing problem, seeing your medical practitioner and discussing whether probiotics could help is essential.

Numerous studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals report that specific strains of probiotic bacteria can help with gut issues. Most studies report positive findings, but researchers have not isolated particular strains that improve specific conditions. Many research studies focus on gut issues, but without conclusive evidence, most recommend more research and using a probiotic containing multiple strains. Remember that Dr. Ohhira’s supplements contain 13 probiotic strains that help support different systems in the body.

Probiotics and Gas

Foul-smelling and excessive gas are GI symptoms related to bacterial imbalance. Flatulence or passing gas is normal; everyone does it. However, foul-smelling gas indicates a disturbance in the intestinal microflora. Copious intestinal gas can also cause abdominal bloating and, in some cases, discomfort. People frequently use probiotics to help resolve these problems.

When you use a probiotic supplement to treat these complaints, how quickly the symptoms resolve is another way to measure the relative effectiveness of the product. Many people report effects in a few days; others report improvements over weeks or months of consistent probiotic use.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning frequently causes nausea and vomiting, stomachache, or fever, which are the body’s attempts to eliminate the harmful bacteria you have ingested.

An occasion of food poisoning can interrupt the microbial balance in your intestinal tract. Probiotics support a healthy microbiome and can help bring the gut back into balance, not only during the bout of food poisoning, but they may improve GI health so you are not as prone to food-borne upsets in the future.

If you take a probiotic to help with food poisoning, the time it takes to recover can indicate your probiotic’s effectiveness.

Beyond Improved Gut Health

Our microbiome is not only in our gut. It extends to the skin, urogenital tract, mouth, mucosa, and mammary glands. Studies have found probiotics helpful for other parts of the microbiome beyond the gut.

Probiotics you take for one condition may help improve the body’s general biome, so over time of regularly ingesting a quality probiotic, you may see improvements in other areas, such as the following:

Gut Health
Attention, Memory, Thinking, and Reasoning
Mood
Sleep
Energy
Stress Levels
Heart Health

Here is a little more information about three crucial systems:

Skin

Your skin is part of your microbiome, so as you begin taking a probiotic supplement, you may find that some skin concerns improve. A bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus is associated with various skin issues. People with a healthy skin microbiome have a helpful bacterium that helps combat this and the 23 other bacterial strains that scientists have implicated in skin conditions.

Lifestyle changes and probiotic supplementation are critical for improving your skin microbiome. Here are some changes to consider:

Maintain a healthy gut microbiome
Eat a healthy diet
Reduce sugar intake
Understand any allergies or sensitivities that could be contributing to your skin issues
Get enough omega-3 fatty acids

Immune System

Probiotics also may play a vital role in regulating the immune system. Several documented trials have found that ingesting certain probiotics “…may have significant effects on endpoints such as promoting the immune response, and reducing the incidence, duration, and severity . . . in children and adults.”

At Essential Formulas, we believe that regularly taking high-quality probiotics is an important proactive step you can take to improve your immune system and promote good health. So, if you begin taking probiotics and feel more energetic and healthier, it could be because of your probiotics.

Detoxification

Our modern lifestyle exposes us to chemicals and toxins our forebears did not have to battle. But can probiotics help offset the strains our bodies face as a result of a modern lifestyle? A 2022 study indicates that they can. It concluded that specific probiotic strains and combinations offer “significant health outcomes and positively impact…detoxification processes.”

Detoxification is difficult to measure without scientific tools. If you feel healthier and more energetic over time, you may be able to attribute it to your probiotic regimen.

Choosing a Quality Probiotic

The quality of the probiotic you take makes all the difference in your results. At Dr. Ohhira’s, we focus on quality above all. We use only the purest ingredients for our probiotics, and we culture thirteen different probiotic strains for three years before encapsulating them in a gel cap for your convenience.

The bacterial strains have three years to find out how to co-exist, the result being robust microorganisms that have the greatest chance of survival in your gut. Each capsule includes prebiotics that feed the organisms in the capsule and the helpful bacteria already existing in your body. After three years of growing in our pure, natural culture medium, the probiotics create postbiotics, so you realize their benefits quickly.

You deserve the well-being a quality probiotic can give you. Choose the best product, which we believe is Dr. Ohhira’s, maintain a consistent regimen, and enjoy your improved overall health and energy.

If you have any questions, we invite you to visit our website, which has many resources to help you learn more about how probiotics impact different body systems. We’d also love to hear from you. You can reach us online or call at 972-255-3918

FAQs

How Can You Tell If Probiotics Are Working?

Initially, you may notice that you are a little gassier, more bloated, or thirsty than usual, and your bowel habits may change, but within about two weeks, this should pass. Probiotics help support your overall health and well-being. If you notice improvements and haven’t changed anything else significant, it could be because of your probiotic.

What Do You Feel When You Take Probiotics?

Most people notice little or no difference when they begin taking probiotics. Some report feeling a little worse for a few days. Most adjust within a week or two. Every person and microbiome is different. If you are still experiencing uncomfortable symptoms after taking a probiotic for two weeks, discontinue it and talk with your doctor.

Do Probiotic Supplements Kick in Right Away?

If you take probiotics for short-term GI relief, you might see results within a few days. If you take them for a chronic concern or general well-being, it may take weeks before you notice a positive difference. It takes time for the bacteria to set up shop in your body and begin creating the postbiotics that influence your overall well-being.

How Do You Know If Your Probiotic is Good?

With all the choices out there, it can be baffling to find the right probiotic. Here are a few things to look for:

Look for purity first. Check to ensure it is hypoallergenic and free of chemicals, pesticides, undesirable bacteria, and colorants.
Make sure it can survive the stomach acids to reach the intestines alive.
Does it have multiple bacterial strains?
Is it shelf-stable?
Is it based on ingredients you recognize?

Do probiotics make you poop or feel gassy?

While most people who take probiotics do so without adverse side effects, some people experience a minor increase in flatulence. It’s a byproduct of the GI tract undergoing changes and adjustments. The good news is that unless you have a sensitivity or allergy to one of the ingredients in the supplement, any increased gassiness should stop within a few weeks of consistent use.

Do probiotics make your poop stink?

No, though you may notice some other changes to your stool once you begin taking them. It’s not uncommon for probiotics to slightly alter the color or consistency of your stool, and some people report needing to go more frequently at the beginning of their probiotic regimen. However, increased stool odor is not associated with probiotic usage.

Do probiotics cause stinky gas?

No. Many people who take probiotics notice that their gas becomes LESS intense over time. A new probiotic may cause more frequent gas at first, but it shouldn’t be any smellier than before.

The Dr. Ohhira Difference

Ross Pelton — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:36:50 +0000

Discover the Dr. Ohhira Difference!™

It is widely understood that intestinal probiotic bacteria play an important role in regulating good health. Most probiotics companies, on the market, simply cram large numbers of one or several strains of probiotic bacteria into capsules. Which is one of the many reasons most orally ingested probiotics are not effective. For example, stomach acid, which is 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than the acidity in the intestines, kills most orally ingested probiotics. To learn more, visit www.naturalpharmacist.net/dilemma to read The Oral Probiotic Dilemma.

So why choose Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics? Let’s discuss the Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics difference and explain how it is potentially more effective than all other commercial probiotics. In the process, you will learn why millions of people rely on Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics and why so many healthcare professionals recommend Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics to their clients and patients.

Gut Health = Good Health

The gut microbiome is a critical regulator of human health. Hippocrates, called The Father of Medicine, is credited with saying “All disease begins in the gut” over 2,000 years ago. Today, gut health experts have shown that bacterial imbalance or dysbiosis is associated with so many of our current health concerns.

Feeding Your Probiotic Bacteria

Your probiotic bacteria are living organisms that must be fed well to thrive and survive. Dietary fibers and polyphenols are the ‘food’ that probiotic bacteria require. The best sources of these compounds are plant-based foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Multiple scientific studies report 80-95% of Americans DO NOT consume adequate amounts of these plant-based nutrients that support a healthy gut microbiome.

The Importance of Diversity

A healthy gut microbiome contains 800 to 1,000 different species of probiotic bacteria. Diverse species of bacteria are like animals that require various types of food. People are encouraged to eat a little bit of many types of fruits and vegetables daily, which provide a wide range of fibers and polyphenols to support a healthy gut microbiome. Watch this 8-minute YouTube video, Ross Salad Buzz, that learn how to make a microbiome-supporting salad using assorted vegetables.

A Superior Probiotic Formula

Thousands of studies have been published explaining the health benefits of fermented foods. Dr. Ohhira created a 3-year fermentation process that utilizes multiple strains of probiotic bacteria along with different fiber and polyphenol-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, mushrooms & seaweeds) in fermentation vats to produce Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. Hence, Dr. Ohhira’s is a fermented whole-food probiotic. After 3 years of fermentation, the bacteria have converted the foods into Postbiotic Metabolites. This is The Dr. Ohhira’s Difference!

Postbiotic Metabolites: The ‘Magic’ of Fermentation!

Over 99% of the bacteria in the intestinal tract reside in the colon. This is where bacteria utilize a process, called fermentation, that converts food components into compounds known as Postbiotic Metabolites. Postbiotic Metabolites have a wide range of health-regulating effects, which is why they are being recognized as The New Frontier in Microbiome Science. Since most people fall far short on their consumption of these dietary elements, it can have serious health consequences.

Postbiotic Metabolites are Essential Nutrients

Various vitamins, minerals, amino acids, Omega fatty acids and Short-chained Fatty Acids or SCFA’s are classified as essential nutrients because they are imperative for human health. Similarly, Postbiotic Metabolites are compounds that are also necessary for overall wellness. Most of our essential nutrients come from the food we eat. And these nutrients are the food source for the probiotic bacteria to create Postbiotic Metabolites. These are critical regulators of the digestive system and the immune system. Once absorbed systemically, they influence the functioning of your brain, heart, liver, kidneys, skin and bones.

The importance of Postbiotic Metabolites was emphasized in a paper published in the Oct. 2021 issue of Journal of Immunology, in which author Cathryn Nagler, PhD stated “It is now clear that the depletion of microbial metabolites beneficial to host health is associated with a rapid rise in non-communicable chronic diseases.”[i]

The probiotic bacteria, in most people, do not produce adequate amounts of Postbiotic Metabolites, due to poor diets, the overuse of antibiotics, environmental toxins and numerous other disruptions to the microbiome. Enter the power of Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics, which directly delivers over 500 postbiotic metabolites.

Effective & User-friendly

Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics accomplishes what we refer to as Rapid Microbiome Restoration. We believe it is the fastest and most effective method to improve the gut microbiome and intestinal health.

Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics are user-friendly. They do not need to be refrigerated, they can be taken any time, even on an empty stomach. Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics do not contain any artificial additives, preservatives, animal by-products, pesticides, or herbicides. They are non-GMO,100% vegetarian, and hypoallergenic (no dairy, soy or gluten).

Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics, a product you can trust! Try the Dr. Ohhira’s Difference for yourself!

Have a question about probiotics? Click here to check out our Probiotics FAQs.

[i] Nagler, CR. Modern World Influences on the Microbiome and Their Consequences for Immune-Mediated Disease. Journal of Immunology. Oct. 2021;207(7):1695-1696.

IMCJ – Postbiotic Metabolites: A Paradigm Shift in Microbiome Science

Ross Pelton — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:39:33 +0000

Discover the “Dr. Ohhira’s Advantage” in Ross Pelton’s latest article, which explores why postbiotic metabolites are the true key to repairing a damaged gut ecosystem.

This piece, published in Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, explains how our unique 3-to-5-year fermentation process allows bacteria to produce essential nutrients and immune boosting peptides that simple probiotics cannot match.

IMCJ_24_6reprint Download

Microbiome: Better Predictor of Long-Term Health Than Your Genes

Ross Pelton — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000

By Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN
Scientific Director, Essential Formulas

What’s More Important for Your Health: Your Genes or Your Gut?

For decades, we’ve been told that our genes are our destiny, holding the blueprint for our long-term health. But what if that’s only half the story? Exciting research is revealing that the trillions of tiny organisms living in your gut—known as the microbiome—may actually be a more powerful predictor of your overall wellness.

Let’s explore what the science says.

Meet Your “Second Genome”

You might be surprised to learn that your body isn’t just your DNA. The Human Microbiome Project discovered that while you have about 20,000 human genes, your gut microbes collectively contain over 3.3 million unique genes.

This vast microbial community is often called our “second genome,” and it raises a critical question: Which “genome” has a greater influence on your health?

What Groundbreaking Studies Suggest

Two large-scale studies have offered some fascinating clues.

Study #1: The FINRISK Study

This massive, 40-year study in Finland collected health data from thousands of people. In 2002, researchers also collected stool samples to analyze their microbiomes.

The Finding: Fifteen years later, scientists found that the composition of a person’s gut microbiome was a significant predictor of their long-term health status. The study suggested that the health of the microbiome was a powerful indicator of wellness, independent of other factors like genetics or lifestyle.

Study #2: A Major Disease Review

A separate meta-analysis reviewed 47 different studies to compare the predictive power of genes versus the microbiome. The analysis covered 13 common health conditions.

The Finding: Overall, the results showed that an analysis of a person’s microbiome was approximately 20% more accurate at predicting their health status than an analysis of their human DNA. For certain aspects of gastrointestinal health, the microbiome was even 50% more accurate.

What This Means for You

The takeaway from this research is empowering: While you can’t change your genes, you can influence your microbiome.

These studies suggest that maintaining a healthy, balanced gut microbiome is a critical factor for long-term wellness.

The Power of a Diverse Gut “Ecosystem”

Think of your gut microbiome as a lush rainforest or a vibrant coral reef. The health of any ecosystem depends on biodiversity. A gut with a wide variety of different beneficial bacteria species is stronger, more resilient, and functions better.

So, how do you support this diversity?

A foundational way to support microbiome diversity is by consuming a wide variety of plant-based foods. Different species of bacteria “eat” different kinds of foods, primarily dietary fibers and polyphenols.

You can find these in:

Colorful vegetables and fruits
Whole grains
Nuts and seeds
Herbs and spices
Even dark chocolate!

The Missing Piece: Postbiotic Metabolites

When your friendly gut bacteria (probiotics) digest the plant fibers and polyphenols (prebiotics), they produce a third, crucial category of compounds: Postbiotic Metabolites.

These beneficial compounds are the “output” of a healthy, functioning microbiome. They are essential for:

Supporting the integrity of the gut lining.
Helping to maintain a harmonious balance of bacteria.
Supporting healthy immune function.
Nourishing the entire gut ecosystem.

Click Here to View

The “Malnourished Microbiome“

For most of human history, our ancestors ate a diet incredibly rich in diverse fibers and plant compounds. Today, our modern diets—often high in processed foods—can lack the variety needed to feed our microbes.

Scientists call this the “malnourished microbiome.” When our gut bacteria are starved, they can’t produce the rich blend of postbiotic metabolites your body needs. This can, in turn, challenge the gut lining and affect the balance of the entire ecosystem.

A Comprehensive Approach with Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics

In addition to focusing on a healthy, plant-rich diet, another way to support your gut is by introducing postbiotic metabolites directly.

Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics offer a unique approach. They are produced through a multi-year fermentation process using whole foods, including fruits, mushrooms, and seaweeds. This careful process results in a complete formula that delivers:

PREbiotics: The food to nourish beneficial bacteria.
PRObiotics: Live, active strains to support microbial balance.
POSTbiotic Metabolites: The key compounds produced by the bacteria, providing comprehensive support for your gut environment.

The postbiotic metabolites in Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics help nourish the gut and support a balanced microbiome. This three-in-one approach is why Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics has gained a worldwide reputation as a trusted, comprehensive supplement for supporting gastrointestinal health.*

*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.