Unveiling the role of functional foods with emphasis on prebiotics and probiotics in human health Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This review examines the significant role of functional foods, specifically prebiotics and probiotics, in human health. It highlights the importance of these functional foods in modulating the gut microbiota and their broader implications for diseases, immunity, and metabolic health. The review also discusses the advancements in prebiotic and probiotic formulations and their potential synergy, particularly in promoting overall well-being.
Who was reviewed?
The review focuses on studies and research related to the impact of prebiotics and probiotics on human health. It evaluates clinical and experimental studies exploring the effects of various prebiotics like inulin, resistant starch, and oligosaccharides, as well as probiotics, particularly strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, on gut health, immune function, and metabolic disorders.
What were the most important findings?
The review underscores that prebiotics and probiotics play pivotal roles in enhancing gut health, immunity, and metabolic processes. Key findings include that prebiotics, such as inulin, galacto-oligosaccharides, and resistant starch, support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These compounds lower gut pH, improve mucosal barrier function, and aid in reducing inflammation. Furthermore, probiotics, especially strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, help balance the microbiota, regulate the immune system, and offer protection against gut-related diseases. The review also emphasizes the potential of synbiotics (a combination of prebiotics and probiotics), which synergistically enhance gut health by improving microbial composition and providing a more robust health benefit than either component alone.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The greatest implication of this review is the potential for prebiotic and probiotic-enriched functional foods to serve as effective interventions for managing and preventing gut-related diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), obesity, and even mental health disorders. As these functional foods influence the gut microbiota composition, they could become essential components in preventive healthcare. Moreover, advancements in food technology are making these bioactive ingredients more accessible and palatable to the public, enhancing their acceptability. This opens up new possibilities for integrating these functional foods into everyday diets, potentially reducing healthcare costs related to gut health issues.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that selectively promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, offering a range of health benefits from improved digestion and immune function to enhanced metabolic health. Prebiotics are an essential part of a healthy diet that supports both gut and overall well-being.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.