Abstract

Abstract: Prebiotic Probiotic Postbiotic Evolution in Food: Latin America Caribbean Trends Regulations. Introduction. In recent years, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has experienced growth in the demand for functional foods, particularly those with prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic (PPPs) properties, which are not subject to special regulation in the region. Prebiotics are defined as non-digestible ingredients or fibers. Probiotics are defined as harmless microorganisms incorporated into food with health benefits. Postbiotics are defined as substances derived from these microorganisms. Objective. The purpose of study is to identify products as PPPs that have been manufactured or marketed in LAC and to evaluate the health and content claims indicated on their labels according to available international scientific evidence. Materials y methods. The article attempts to fill this gap by conducting a document content analysis (DCA) and a systematic literature review (SLR) of three main sources: the institutional national and international regulation platforms; the information on distribution channels of them in the World and LAC; finally, the literature reviews on formal databases Google Scholar and Scielo covering the period 2010–2025. This review will be applied with precision to three general food marketing regulations: Food safety declarations/regulations/government policies; inspections by product/market/raw materials and food manufacturing/marketing/labeling. Results. Findings indicate a lack of specific legislation for prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic foods in LAC. Opportunities for commercializing PPP products in the region are increasing, based on an exhaustive analysis of marketing strategies and the current regulatory framework. Conclusions. Better control of labeling information for these products aimed at consumers is needed, ensuring the clarity of their content globally. Arch Latinoam Nutr 2025; 75(4): 299-309.