Modbiotic – What the heck is that?

Modbiotic – Did ATP Science just make up a word out of thin air? Well, by technicality we did patent the word “Modbiotic” so yes, but for good reason! Let us explain why below…

You have heard of:

• Pre-biotics.


• Probiotics.


• Antibiotics.

‘Modbiotics’ are none of those compounds… hence why we had to name them ourselves. So, if they are none of those where do they fit in with the above terms?

Modbiotic definition

Modbiotics are a subset of prebiotics which serve to modify microbial species found as part of the normal gut microbiota, as opposed to prebiotics in general or probiotics, which introduce bacteria to the gut environment. Prebiotics provide a fuel source for the gut microbiota. Modbiotics, on the other hand, are broken down into metabolites with a number of functions, including:

 

• Prebiotic substrate.

and

• Antimicrobial properties.

 

What is a “Biotic”?

Biotic – means “pertaining to life” relating to our biota, which is animal and plant life of a particular region. For example, intestinal microbiota refers to the microscopic plants and animals of our intestine.

Insert the prefix term “Mod”

Mod – modulate, modify and moderate. ‘Mod’ refers to the ability to create change, organize and manipulate things. Not necessarily increasing, nor decreasing, but balancing.

Some of the compounds found to exert modbiotic properties include polyphenols. Dietary polyphenols include organic compounds made by plants as a defense mechanism against pathogens, insects and other environmental influences, including ultraviolet radiation and are often found in the skin and of these vegetables. Polyphenols are often removed due to their bitter properties and aren’t deemed as ‘palatable’ by consumer demand so are often removed for convenience and preference.

Modbiotic compounds are often deficient in a modern diet due to our changing food with less skin, seeds, pulp and fiber in comparison to naturally occurring sugars. Farming, food processing, preparation, and storage can all contribute to a reduction in modbiotic compounds. Just as we can do for vitamins and minerals; it is possible to supplement a deficient diet with ‘modbiotics’ to compensate for the lower levels naturally contained in our foods.

In closing...

There you have it, Folks, this is what "Modbiotic" Means. We hope it makes more sense now why we have been saying this mysterious word, not just because we are hipsters and ahead of the trend trying to be cool. Although our mums think we are cool; so yeah, I guess you could say we are kind of a big deal.