Postbiotic Technology: A New Frontier in Scientific Research and Clinical Application

Alongside Probiotics (live microorganisms) and Prebiotics (food for gut flora), a new concept is reshaping the global nutrition industry: Postbiotics. This represents a significant evolution in microbiology. By preserving bioactive structures from inactivated microorganisms, this solution offers superior physicochemical stability and biological safety, which have been rigorously validated through international clinical trials

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In 2021, the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) published a consensus statement in the Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal. Postbiotics are defined as preparations consisting of inactivated microorganisms and/or their components that confer health benefits to the host. The core difference lies in the microbial state: while Probiotics require live bacteria, Postbiotics leverage inactivated components to deliver measurable health benefits

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A prime example is the Postbiotic Lactococcus Lactis Plasma (LC-Plasma). Unlike conventional probiotics, LC-Plasma acts directly on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) – the 'coordinators' of the immune system. By activating pDCs through Peyer's patches in the small intestine, it triggers the production of interferon-alpha (IFN-α), enabling the body to better detect and inhibit viral replication

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To date, LC-Plasma has been the subject of over 37 scientific studies and 18 human clinical trials. Notably, a study involving 892 primary school students in Vietnam demonstrated that the LC-Plasma group experienced a significant reduction in cold/flu symptoms and fewer sick days. Another trial on adults also recorded fewer days of cough and fever compared to the control group

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In terms of production technology, Postbiotics offer a competitive advantage due to high heat stability (up to 120°C), allowing for integration into various products such as dairy and protein powders without loss of activity. Backed by GRAS status in the US and a non-novel food designation in the EU, over 62 products under the IMMUSE™ brand have been launched globally

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The advancement of Postbiotic technology in Vietnam is creating new opportunities for developing high-end nutritional products. These applications are being implemented with scientific consultation from experts such as Dr. Truong Hong Son, Deputy Secretary-General of the Vietnam Medical Association and Director of the Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine

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