International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics

We advance scientific excellence in probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics and fermented foods.

What We Do

Scientific leadership

Identifying key priorities and controversies in the field, we bring together leading scientists to publish evidence-based summaries that highlight research gaps and provide expert perspectives to move the field forward.

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Community building

We bring together researchers in the field from across academia, industry and government, supporting scientific discussions that lead to new collaborations and rigorous research outputs.

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Growing knowledge

We engage with researchers, clinicians, industry members, students, the media,and the general public, communicating evidence-based information on the use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics and fermented foods.

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What’s New

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  • Three glasses of kombucha (green, yellow and pink) being held together with blurry people in background.

    Alcohol in fermented foods: Considerations for pregnancy and childhood
    Typical health recommendations advise not consuming alcohol during pregnancy or during childhood up to the age of 18. Yet some fermented foods contain alcohol. What…
    Dr. Gabriel Vinderola, PhD

    Dr. Gabriel Vinderola, PhD

  • Dentist sitting beside older woman in the patient chair of a dental office, adjusting a bib around her neck.

    Biotics, oral microbiota and potential for dental applications
    Prof. Seppo Salminen writes that the biotic approach offers potential for new biological intervention strategies in dentistry, aimed at restoring the natural oral microbiota and…
    Prof. Seppo Salminen, PhD

    Prof. Seppo Salminen, PhD

  • Vet smiling at border collie dog in the clinic

    Fido Needs an Antibiotic: Are There Strategies to Maintain Gut Integrity and Restore Gut Microbiota?
    Despite their risks and complications, antimicrobials have their role in managing canine diarrhea and gastrointestinal enteropathies. So, what can be done to minimize the negative…
    Prof. Kelly Swanson, PhD

    Prof. Kelly Swanson, PhD

Building a thriving community of scientists collaborating on rigorous research and providing expert guidance for the field.

ISAPP activities have impact in the scientific field and beyond.

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Key Topics

Looking for information? ISAPP has a wealth of science-based resources for learning about probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics and fermented foods.

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Probiotics

Many consumer products that are labelled “probiotic” don’t really qualify as probiotics. Find out which products meet the criteria for probiotics and what they can do for your health.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are often confused with dietary fiber, but some important differences exist. Learn about prebiotics and where to find them in both foods and supplements.

Synbiotics

Scientists consider synbiotics promising for improving health, with several health benefits already demonstrated in scientific studies. Discover how synbiotics work and how to identify a true symbiotic.

Postbiotics

Many misconceptions exist about postbiotics, even as they’re beginning to appear in more and more consumer products. Set the record straight about what postbiotics are and what health benefits are emerging in the scientific literature.

Fermented Foods

From chocolate to yogurt to kimchi, some of your favorite foods may owe their distinctive flavor or texture to the work of microbes. Discover the role of microorganisms in fermented foods and what we know about their health benefits.

Live Dietary Microbes

Many of the safe, live microorganisms found in foods don’t qualify as probiotics, but they may still be worth consuming every day. Discover where to find live dietary microbes and how they may benefit your health.

Gut Health

As the importance of gut health becomes more widely recognized, ISAPP scientists have proposed a clear definition that can be used by scientists and others in the field. Find out our definition of gut health and how to support your own gut functioning.

Microbiome

The microorganisms living in your digestive tract are crucial for maintaining your overall good health, contributing to digestion, immunity, metabolism and more. Discover the science on how your microbiome relates to probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics and fermented foods.

Learn more about how the ISAPP community advances the science of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics and fermented foods.

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Publications

Scientific publications are regularly produced as a result of ISAPP meetings and collaborations.

Meetings

ISAPP’s annual meeting is known for high-caliber scientific discussion and collaboration.

Awards

ISAPP has three awards that are given out annually to individuals who demonstrate scientific excellence.

Resources

Explore ISAPP’s collection of resources that are both scientifically accurate and easy to understand.

Featured Resources

  • prebiotic checklist

    Checklist of Cumulative Required Evidence for a Prebiotic
    The aim of this checklist is to provide researchers clearly stated criteria that may assist with the scientific rationale for calling a substance ‘prebiotic’.
  • LiveDietaryMicrobes English scaled

    Live Dietary Microbes: A Role in Human Health
    Recent research has linked consumption of higher numbers of live dietary microbes with general health benefits — so it may be worth trying to include more of them in your daily diet.
  • Dimidi cover

    Dietary management of chronic constipation, with Dr. Eirini Dimidi PhD RD
    This episode features Dr. Eirini Dimidi PhD RD from King’s College London (UK), speaking about the recently published British Dietetic Association’s guidelines for dietary management of chronic constipation. Constipation can be a major concern for patients, but evidence around some of the most common dietary recommendations for addressing it has remained unclear. After a thorough…
  • Kort picture resized

    Science, Microbes & Health Video Series: Prof. Remco Kort PhD
    In this Science, Microbes & Health video, get to know Prof. Remco Kort PhD, the winner of the 2025 Sanders Award for Advancing Biotic Science. Prof. Kort describes his scientific outreach work on the Micropia Museum and Yoba for Life.