This is a common question and easily confused. Prebiotics are fibers (mannanoligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharide, beta-glucan, etc.) that are indigestible by the horse, but are an excellent source of nutrition for the gut microbiome. We think of it as a nutritional care package for the resident microbes of the gut.  

Probiotics are live microorganisms typically presented on the label in CFUs (colony forming units). In the 6666 pre, pro, postbiotic supplement, the probiotics are Lactobacillus reuterii, Bifidobacterium longum, and the FullBucket famous Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1077. These specific microorganisms are known to support nutrient digestion, the gastrointestinal immune response, and support normal pathogen detoxification. 

Postbiotics are end-products of microbial fermentation with a plethora of health benefits. Listed as Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermentation Product on the label, this ingredient by DiamondV has an abundance of scientific backing in support of gut health, digestion, and even joint health.

All three -biotics (pre-, pro-, post-) play different roles in supporting gut health. For example, prebiotics are nutrition care packages for the resident gut microbiome while probiotics are live microorganisms introduced to the gut to provide additional support to the resident microbes.  Postbiotics are an abundance of fermentative end-products that are nutritious to the gastrointestinal system and whole body.

Nearly all horses can benefit from gut support. The gastrointestinal system plays a major role in whole-body health, housing approximately 70% of the animal’s immune system.  Gut health products, including the 6666 pre-, pro-, postbiotic, can have positive effects on whole body health. 

Some horses who may specifically benefit from the 6666s gut health supplement include:

• Those traveling to shows, sales or events
• Horses under stress (from working all day to weaning to being on stall rest or entering a new herd dynamic)
• Horses prone to digestive upset (such as diarrhea or colic)
• Horses recovering from surgery or on layup
• Horses who are undergoing a feed change
• Horses in changing circumstances (weather, schedule, new riders, etc.)  
• Senior horses (as horses age, their gut function becomes less effective)
• Horses undergoing antibiotic treatment or NSAID therapy.

Beta glucans are a prebiotic often derived from oats or barley, making the ingredient highly palatable. The beta glucans provide a broad range of benefits from insulin modulation for animals with metabolic disorders to promoting health of the stomach tissue.  

In horses, the stomach is highly susceptible to gastric ulcers in performance horses and horses under various stressors. Beta-glucans support the stomach lining by suppressing excessive inflammation.

L-glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid and is the preferred energy source for enterocytes, the cells responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. 

Supplementing the preferred energy substrate supports the health and longevity of cells in the small intestine. 

Conditionally essential amino acids are essential during certain circumstances or periods of life. L-glutamine is particularly important for horses experiencing any type of stress because it helps protect and maintain the delicate lining of the gut.

This gut health product is the only supplement on the market containing two different prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and L-glutamine to target every major component of the digestive system from the stomach to the small intestine and large intestine. 

Because approximately 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut, support for the entire gut will have whole-body benefits including immune support during stress, gastrointestinal support during diet changes or treatment with oral medications (antibiotics, NSAIDs, etc.), and even joint support in performance horses.