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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  • Plush poop emoji on bathroom counter, with toilet in background

    How do you know whether your gut microbiome is in good shape?
    Scientists know gut microorganisms were interconnected with gut health and overall health in multiple ways. But how do you know if you have a healthy…
    Prof. Kristin Verbeke, PhD

    Prof. Kristin Verbeke, PhD

  • Four people standing in a conference hall in front of a placard about the Canadian Fermented Foods Initiative

    Canada’s Fermented Foods Initiative Hosts Inaugural Workshop: A Cross-Sector Conversation Begins
    Toronto hosted the inaugural workshop of the Canadian Fermented Foods Initiative (CFFI), a new effort designed to support and advance research, education and innovation on…
    Dr. Carla Liria Sánchez-Lafuente, PhD

    Dr. Carla Liria Sánchez-Lafuente, PhD

  • Gregor Reid Award winner Matta NEW

    2026 Gregor Reid Award for Outstanding Scholars in Developing Nations Goes to Gut-Brain Researcher Tushar Matta, MS Pharm
    The selection committee for the Gregor Reid Award for Outstanding Scholars in Developing Nations has announced this year’s winner: Tushar Matta, MS Pharm.
    ISAPP Editorial Team

    ISAPP Editorial Team

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.

Explore Topics Here

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’.
  • NIH fact sheet image

    Probiotics: NIH Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
    This fact sheet from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) features an overview of probiotics, with scientifically supported health indications as well as safety considerations.
  • Ricke cover series

    Biotics for agricultural animals, with Prof. Steve Ricke PhD
    This episode, part of a series on the role of biotics in animal health, is a broad-ranging conversation on biotics for agricultural animals, with Prof. Steve Ricke PhD from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prof. Ricke explains some of the different applications of biotics for poultry as well as swine and ruminants: rapid growth, efficient use of…
  • 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.