GLOSSARY

Synergistic Synbiotic selects substrate for accompanying microbes, requiring mixture benefit rather than merely simultaneous intake.

For example, record a new product's exact identity, portion and timing and assess response in training; adding several products together makes benefit or discomfort harder to attribute.

A synbiotic combines live microorganisms and selectively used substrate with a health benefit. Complementary versions contain components meeting probiotic and prebiotic criteria separately. Synergistic versions select substrate for the accompanying microbes; the individual components need not independently meet those criteria. The mixture needs evidence. Merely placing ingredients together or adding fiber to a capsule does not demonstrate synergy, superior tolerance or a sports-performance effect.

Probiotics require live microorganisms, an appropriate amount and demonstrated health benefit for the intended use. Not every fermented food or live bacterium meets that definition. Identify genus, species and strain and match the studied outcome to the goal. Evidence for one digestive or immune application does not guarantee greater strength or endurance in every athlete, nor does it make all products bearing the word equivalent.

A prebiotic is selectively used by host microorganisms and provides a health benefit. Fermentability alone does not make every fiber a prebiotic, and prebiotics need not share one structure. Product claims require the substrate, amount and relevant outcome. Fiber-rich foods remain valuable even when a specific prebiotic claim has not been established for each one; broad dietary quality should not be replaced by searching for one branded ingredient.