Hi

Here's a clear breakdown of each term:

Probiotic: Live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. They improve gut flora, support immunity, reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Eg: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium species found in yogurt or supplements.

Prebiotic: Substrates (usually fibers or carbohydrates) selectively utilized by host microorganisms, conferring a health benefit. They can feed beneficial gut bacteria to promote their growth and activity.

Eg: Inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).

Postbiotic: Non-living microbial cells, cell components, or metabolites produced by probiotics that confer health benefits. They have Anti-inflammatory, immune modulation, without risks of live microbes

Eg: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), peptides, cell wall fragments.

Paraprobiotic: Inactivated (non-viable) microbial cells that provide health benefits when administered. These are safer than live probiotics, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Eg: Heat-killed Lactobacillus strains.

Metabiotic: Bioactive metabolites or signaling molecules released by probiotic bacteria. Often overlaps with the concept of postbiotics.

Eg: Butyrate, propionate, bacteriocins, and vitamins.

Synbiotic: A synergistic combination of probiotics and prebiotics that benefit the host by improving survival and implantation of live microbial dietary supplements. It results in enhanced effectiveness by providing both the microbe and its fuel.

Eg: A supplement containing Bifidobacterium (probiotic) and inulin (prebiotic).

Psychobiotic: A type of probiotic that produces a positive effect on mental health by influencing the gut-brain axis. They have application againstDepression, anxiety, stress modulation

Eg: Certain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteriumthat affect mood or stress.

Pharmabiotic: Microbial-based therapeutics (live organisms, their parts, or metabolites) used as pharmaceutical agents. They are used for treating infections, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders.

Eg: Defined microbial consortia, engineered bacteria, or microbial peptides used as drugs.

Hope it helps.