Prebiotics vs Probiotics: Which Hifas da Terra Gut Support Is Right for You?

Constipation, bloating, digestive discomfort, antibiotics, an unsettled gut or simply wanting to look after your microbiome can all be described as “gut health” concerns – but they are not the same thing.

This is why choosing between a prebiotic, a probiotic and a more targeted mushroom-based microbiota formula can be confusing.

Hifas da Terra offers three very different approaches:

• Bio Intestin – a natural mushroom-based prebiotic formula focused on digestive regularity.
• Hifas da Terra Live Bacteria – a true probiotic containing two selected Lactobacillus strains.
• HIFAS-Microbiota – a more advanced mushroom formula developed with gut comfort and microbiota support in mind.

In this guide, we explain the difference in simple terms, who each product may suit, what Hifas da Terra recommends, and what the available research actually tells us.

Prebiotic vs Probiotic – What Is the Difference?

The easiest way to understand the difference is to imagine your gut microbiome as a garden.

A probiotic is like adding beneficial plants to the garden. Probiotics contain selected live microorganisms.

A prebiotic is more like feeding the garden. Prebiotics provide compounds that beneficial microorganisms already living in the gut can use.

This means:

• Probiotic = beneficial live bacteria.
• Prebiotic = food for beneficial bacteria.
• Prebiotic + probiotic together = a synbiotic approach.

Hifas da Terra specifically discusses this synbiotic approach and explains that the prebiotic action of mushroom powders and extracts can be combined with probiotic supplementation.

Quick Comparison: Which Product Does What?

1. Bio Intestin – Natural Prebiotic Support for Digestive Regularity

Hifas da Terra Bio Intestin is the easiest of the three products to understand.

It is a prebiotic mushroom formula, rather than a probiotic.

It contains four organic mushroom powders:

• Lion’s Mane – Hericium erinaceus
• Shiitake – Lentinula edodes
• Oyster Mushroom – Pleurotus ostreatus
• King Oyster Mushroom – Pleurotus eryngii

Hifas da Terra describes Bio Intestin as a natural prebiotic formula designed around digestive regularity.

A daily serving of two capsules provides 320 mg beta-(1-3),(1-6)-D-glucans and 37 mg alpha-glucans.

Who Might Bio Intestin Be Most Suitable For?

Think of someone who says:

“There is nothing seriously wrong with my stomach, but I don't go to the toilet regularly. I probably don't eat enough fibre, I don't drink enough water and my diet could be better.”

Of these three products, Bio Intestin is the most logical starting point for this type of situation.

It is intended to provide mushroom-derived prebiotic fibre and polysaccharides that help support the environment in which beneficial gut bacteria live.

Is Bio Intestin a Laxative?

No. Bio Intestin should not be thought of as a stimulant laxative.

Its role is better described as prebiotic and nutritional support for digestive regularity.

For ordinary constipation, it is still important to address the basics:

• drink enough fluid
• eat an appropriate amount of dietary fibre
• include vegetables and suitable fibre-rich foods
• keep physically active
• maintain regular eating habits

What If You Are Already Very Bloated?

Prebiotics are fermented by intestinal microorganisms. Because of this, some people may initially experience more gas or bloating when increasing prebiotic intake.

If you are particularly sensitive, it can be sensible to introduce a new prebiotic product gradually rather than starting several gut supplements at the same time.

Persistent or severe bloating should not automatically be assumed to mean that you simply need more fibre or probiotics.

How to Take Bio Intestin

Hifas da Terra recommends 2 capsules per day, taken fasting before the main meals, or as advised by a healthcare professional.

The manufacturer recommends a minimum period of approximately 3 months.

View Bio Intestin at Daily Health Market →

2. Hifas Live Bacteria – The Probiotic Option

Hifas da Terra Live Bacteria is different from Bio Intestin because it contains live bacterial cultures.

The formula contains two clearly identified strains:

• Lactobacillus brevis LBR-35
• Lactobacillus plantarum PBS067 / LP080-DSM 24937

They are supplied in a gastro-resistant vegetable capsule.

When Does a Probiotic Make More Sense?

A probiotic may be more relevant when the objective is to introduce selected beneficial bacterial strains rather than simply provide food for bacteria already living in the gut.

Hifas da Terra explains that the intestinal bacterial flora can be affected by factors including:

• antibiotic use
• stress
• poor diet
• diarrhoea
• viral illness
• other aggressive treatments

So someone who says:

“My digestion hasn't felt the same since I took antibiotics,”

is looking at a different situation from someone whose main problem is simply low fibre intake and constipation.

For this type of microbiota-focused routine, a probiotic may be the more relevant option.

Can Live Bacteria Be Taken with a Prebiotic?

Yes. This is known as a synbiotic approach.

Hifas da Terra specifically states that its mushroom-based prebiotic formulas can be combined with probiotic supplementation.

In very simple terms:

The probiotic provides selected bacteria. The prebiotic helps feed the bacterial environment.

How to Take Hifas Live Bacteria

The recommended intake is 1 capsule per day, or according to the recommendation of a healthcare professional.

Hifas da Terra recommends approximately 3 months of use unless otherwise advised.

View Hifas Live Bacteria at Daily Health Market →

3. HIFAS-Microbiota – More Targeted Gut & Microbiota Support

HIFAS-Microbiota is the most advanced of these three formulas.

It is not a probiotic.

Instead, it combines concentrated mushroom extracts with micronised whole mushroom powders:

• Lion’s Mane extract – Herizumib®
• Reishi extract – Ganozumib®
• Lion’s Mane powder – Herimax®
• Oyster mushroom powder
• Shiitake mushroom powder

A daily serving of two capsules contains 223 mg beta-(1-3),(1-6)-D-glucans, together with naturally occurring mushroom compounds including triterpenoids, ganoderic acid, hericenones and ergosterol.

Who Might HIFAS-Microbiota Be Most Relevant For?

Of the three products, this is the formula Hifas da Terra most directly positions around gut comfort and microbiota wellbeing.

Hifas' professional materials discuss digestive problems including:

• bloating
• gas and flatulence
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• digestive discomfort
• intestinal dysbiosis
• SIBO-related digestive symptoms

This does not mean that everyone who feels bloated has SIBO, or that HIFAS-Microbiota should be used to self-diagnose or treat a gastrointestinal disease.

What Has Hifas da Terra Actually Studied?

Hifas da Terra has an active research programme investigating medicinal mushrooms and gastrointestinal health.

The Hifas SIBO Study

Hifas reports a prospective randomised study involving 20 people with IBS who also tested positive for SIBO.

The control group followed a personalised low-FODMAP diet. The intervention group followed a personalised low-FODMAP diet together with a Hifas mycotherapy protocol using specific Reishi and Lion’s Mane strains associated with the HIFAS-Microbiota and HIFAS-Equilibrium formulations.

According to Hifas da Terra's professional report, improvements were observed in digestive symptoms including gas, bloating and bowel regularity during the 12-week intervention.

However, this is important: this study did not test HIFAS-Microbiota alone. The intervention also included a personalised low-FODMAP diet and a wider Hifas mushroom protocol.

Therefore, the results should not be interpreted as proof that HIFAS-Microbiota cures SIBO or IBS.

HIFAS-Microbiota and Dyspepsia Research

Hifas also reports an observational study involving 30 adults with moderate dyspepsia.

Participants took 2 HIFAS-Microbiota capsules per day for 3 months.

The study used the validated Nepean Dyspepsia Index to assess digestive symptoms and their impact on daily quality of life.

According to Hifas' professional research report, the average NDI score progressively improved during the study, with an approximately 50% reduction from baseline after three months.

Hifas also reported fewer days with heartburn during the observation period.

This is encouraging manufacturer research, but it was an observational study rather than a large placebo-controlled clinical trial, so the findings should be interpreted accordingly.

How to Take HIFAS-Microbiota

Hifas da Terra currently recommends 2 capsules per day, preferably before breakfast or another main meal.

The current manufacturer recommendation is a minimum duration of approximately 3 months, although a healthcare professional may recommend a different period depending on individual needs.

View HIFAS-Microbiota at Daily Health Market →

What If Your Main Problem Is Constipation?

If you are generally healthy and your constipation is likely related to too little fibre, too little fluid, a very dry or processed diet, lack of movement or irregular eating habits, the first step is usually to improve those basics.

Of these three Hifas products, Bio Intestin is the formula most directly designed around digestive regularity and natural prebiotic fibre.

However, increasing fibre without drinking enough fluid may sometimes make constipation worse, so hydration is important.

What If Your Main Problem Is Bloating and Gas?

Bloating can have many causes. It can occur because of diet, food intolerance, constipation, rapid eating, changes in the microbiota, IBS, SIBO and many other reasons.

If someone is already significantly bloated, simply taking increasing amounts of prebiotic fibre is not always the best first move because increased fermentation can sometimes temporarily increase gas.

Among these three products, HIFAS-Microbiota is the formula most closely connected with Hifas da Terra's professional research into microbiota, digestive discomfort and SIBO.

What About IBS?

IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome – is not one single type of digestive problem.

Some people mainly experience constipation, others diarrhoea, while others have alternating bowel habits, bloating, pain or food-triggered symptoms.

For this reason, there is no single supplement that is automatically right for everyone with IBS.

A person whose IBS is mainly associated with constipation may have very different needs from someone whose main symptoms are diarrhoea and severe bloating.

Hifas da Terra has conducted research involving people with IBS and confirmed SIBO, particularly using Reishi and Lion’s Mane strains. This research contributed to the development and scientific background of the HIFAS-Microbiota range.

However, none of these food supplements should be described as a medicine or cure for IBS.

What About Crohn’s Disease or Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is very different from ordinary constipation, occasional bloating or IBS.

Hifas da Terra's professional material discusses scientific research into Lion’s Mane, mushroom beta-glucans, intestinal inflammation, gut microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease.

However, we have not found evidence showing that Bio Intestin, Hifas Live Bacteria or HIFAS-Microbiota has been clinically proven to treat or cure Crohn’s disease.

Anyone with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or another diagnosed inflammatory bowel condition – particularly during an active flare – should discuss new supplements with their gastroenterologist, IBD nurse, GP or specialist dietitian.

These products should never be used as a replacement for prescribed IBD treatment.

Can You Take a Prebiotic and Probiotic Together?

Yes.

This is the principle of a synbiotic approach.

For example:

Bio Intestin provides mushroom-based prebiotic compounds, while Hifas Live Bacteria provides selected Lactobacillus strains.

Hifas da Terra itself discusses combining prebiotics and probiotics.

However, people with very sensitive digestion, significant bloating or IBS may prefer to introduce one new product at a time so they can clearly see how their digestive system responds.

So Which Hifas Gut Product Should You Choose?

If your main issue is ordinary irregularity or constipation:
Start with hydration, appropriate fibre and lifestyle. If you want additional mushroom-based prebiotic support, consider Bio Intestin.

If you specifically want live beneficial bacteria:
Consider Hifas Live Bacteria.

If your main concern is gut comfort, bloating, digestive heaviness or microbiota support:
HIFAS-Microbiota is the most targeted of these three formulas and the one most closely connected with Hifas da Terra's microbiota and SIBO research programme.

If you have IBS:
Your choice should depend on your individual symptoms. IBS with constipation is very different from IBS dominated by diarrhoea, pain or severe bloating.

If you have Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or another diagnosed gastrointestinal disease:
Speak to your healthcare team before introducing a new supplement.

Why Hifas da Terra?

Hifas da Terra is a European biotechnology company specialising in medicinal and functional mushrooms.

The company has more than 25 years of experience in mushroom research, cultivation and product development.

Its approach includes:

• scientific research and clinical studies
• carefully selected mushroom strains
• analysis of naturally occurring bioactive compounds
• 360° traceability
• heavy metal and pesticide testing
• microbiological quality controls
• organic mushroom ingredients across much of the range

Hifas da Terra reports active research programmes in gastrointestinal health, microbiota, women's health, immunology and other areas.

Explore the Three Products

Prebiotic support & digestive regularity:
Shop Hifas da Terra Bio Intestin →

Selected live Lactobacillus cultures:
Shop Hifas da Terra Live Bacteria →

Advanced mushroom microbiota formula:
Shop HIFAS-Microbiota →

Important Information

Food supplements should be used as part of a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

The products discussed in this article are not medicines and are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure IBS, SIBO, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease or any other medical condition.

If you experience persistent abdominal pain, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, fever, severe or persistent bloating, prolonged diarrhoea or constipation, or a significant unexplained change in bowel habits, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.