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Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Prebiotics and Probiotics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 December 2024) | Viewed by 23193

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: probiotics; nutrition; body composition; obesity treatment; endoscopic surgery; colorectal surgery; interventional endoscopy; surgery; colon surgery; obesity; experimental surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Surgery, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
Interests: probiotics; surgery; colorectal surgery; emergency surgery; experimental surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since the 1990s, it has been well documented that probiotics, either alone or in prebiotic supplements, play an important role in host health and disease management. However, given today’s increased knowledge on their specific actions—antioxidant, immunomodulatory, modulation of gut microbiota, enhancement of epithelial barrier function—and their beneficial effects in disease prevention and treatment, a significant volume of research and clinical application is currently focused on their use.

The word “probiotics” tends to be automatically linked to gut microbiota; however, almost all scientists today know that the gut, despite being the oldest recognized and perhaps even central “host” organ, is not unique, with others including the lungs and skin.

Postbiotics, recently defined as “inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host”, were used for skin health as cosmetics long before they were renamed postbiotics. Moreover, they have traditionally been used  for immunocompromised patients with a risk of bacteremia induction, instead of live probiotics.

Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access [Impact Factor 5.9], advanced forum for publishing studies related to the broad spectrum of human nutrition. We welcome the submission of papers, reviews, and meta-analyses employing a multidisciplinary, multifaceted approach on the topic of “health promotion and maintenance” using probiotics, prebiotics, or postbiotics, which are based on your insights and expertise in this field. Potential topics might include the following:

Gut motility control;

Glucose tolerance;

Bone density;

Cardiovascular health;

Metabolism;

Cognitive function/mood;

Skin cosmetics/allergies.

Dr. Katerina Kotzampassi
Dr. George Stavrou
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • probiotics
  • prebiotics
  • postbiotics
  • synbiotics
  • health
  • gut motility
  • glucose tolerance
  • skin health
  • cosmetics
  • bone density
  • cardiovascular health
  • metabolism
  • cognitive function
  • mood
  • allergies

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1814 KiB  
Article
Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS11610 Enhances the Fertilization Success of IVF: A Preliminary Retrospective Analysis
by Miguel Raimundo, Patrícia Rodrigues, Sergio Esteban, Irene Espinosa-Martos and Esther Jiménez
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030410 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 629
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Infertility affects couples at reproductive age, with in vitro fertilization (IVF) being the most effective treatment. Success rates of IVF are influenced by several factors, including a healthy female reproductive system microbiome, which can improve implantation rates and pregnancy outcomes. This study [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Infertility affects couples at reproductive age, with in vitro fertilization (IVF) being the most effective treatment. Success rates of IVF are influenced by several factors, including a healthy female reproductive system microbiome, which can improve implantation rates and pregnancy outcomes. This study evaluated the impact of Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS11610 on IVF outcomes. This strain showed antimicrobial activity against pathogens related to dysbiosis, commonly observed in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment. Results: The administration of L. salivarius PS11610 at a dose of 1 × 109 CFU every 12 h for at least one month before IVF procedures, particularly in the frozen embryo transfer (FET) group, appears to enhance the success rate of IVF. IVF procedures without embryo transfer showed no significant differences between the groups. However, there were statistically significant differences in the quality of embryos, specifically in category 2, which were higher in the group without L. salivarius PS11610 supplementation (p = 0.042). Similar results were seen in the IVF with embryo transfer group, where the quality of embryos in categories 2 and 3 was higher in the group without L. salivarius PS11610 (p = 0.019 and p = 0.05, respectively). IVF with FET showed notable improvements, where intake of L. salivarius PS11610 was associated with a significant increase in live birth infants (26.4% with L. salivarius PS11610 vs. 17.9% without, p = 0.034) and higher biochemical pregnancy rates (42.6% vs. 34%, p = 0.071). Conclusions: Despite some differences in embryo quality, the overall positive impact on pregnancy and birth outcomes highlights L. salivarius PS11610 as a promising supplement in assisted reproductive treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health)
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16 pages, 3855 KiB  
Article
The Improvement Effects of Weizmannia coagulans BC99 on Liver Function and Gut Microbiota of Long-Term Alcohol Drinkers: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial
by Jie Zhang, Cheng Li, Mengyao Duan, Zhen Qu, Yi Wang, Yao Dong, Ying Wu, Shuguang Fang and Shaobin Gu
Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020320 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 647
Abstract
Background/Objectives: With the improvement of living standards, alcoholic liver disease caused by long-term drinking has been a common multiple disease. Probiotic interventions may help mitigate liver damage caused by alcohol intake, but the mechanisms need more investigation. Methods: This study involved 70 long-term [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: With the improvement of living standards, alcoholic liver disease caused by long-term drinking has been a common multiple disease. Probiotic interventions may help mitigate liver damage caused by alcohol intake, but the mechanisms need more investigation. Methods: This study involved 70 long-term alcohol drinkers (18–65 years old, alcohol consumption ≥20 g/day, lasting for more than one year) who were randomly assigned to either the BC99 group or the placebo group. Two groups were given BC99 (3 g/day, 1 × 1010 CFU) or placebo (3 g/day) for 60 days, respectively. Before and after the intervention, blood routine indicators, liver function, renal function, inflammatory factors and intestinal flora were evaluated. Results: The results showed that intervention with Weizmannia coagulans BC99 reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, serum total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and ‘blood urea nitrogen/creatinine’. Weizmannia coagulans BC99 also reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 and increased the levels of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. The results of intestinal flora analysis showed that Weizmannia coagulans BC99 regulated the imbalance of intestinal flora, increased the beneficial bacteria abundance (Prevotella, Faecalibacterium and Roseburia) and reduced the conditionally pathogenic bacteria abundance (Escherichia-Shigella and Klebsiella). Both LEfSe analysis and random forest analysis indicated that the increase in the abundance of Muribaculaceae induced by BC99 was a key factor in alleviating alcohol-induced liver damage. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that Weizmannia coagulans BC99 has the potential to alleviate alcoholic liver injury and provide an effective strategy for liver protection in long-term drinkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health)
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19 pages, 3943 KiB  
Article
The Bifidogenic Effect of 2’Fucosyllactose Is Driven by Age-Specific Bifidobacterium Species, Demonstrating Age as an Important Factor for Gut Microbiome Targeted Precision Medicine
by Jenni Firrman, Stef Deyaert, Karley K. Mahalak, LinShu Liu, Aurélien Baudot, Marie Joossens, Jonas Poppe, Simon J. S. Cameron and Pieter Van den Abbeele
Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010151 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 911
Abstract
Background: The human gut microbiota develops in concordance with its host over a lifetime, resulting in age-related shifts in community structure and metabolic function. Little is known about whether these changes impact the community’s response to microbiome-targeted therapeutics. Providing critical information on this [...] Read more.
Background: The human gut microbiota develops in concordance with its host over a lifetime, resulting in age-related shifts in community structure and metabolic function. Little is known about whether these changes impact the community’s response to microbiome-targeted therapeutics. Providing critical information on this subject, faecal microbiomes of subjects from six age groups, spanning from infancy to 70-year-old adults (n = six per age group) were harvested. The responses of these divergent communities to treatment with the human milk oligosaccharide 2’-fucosyllactose (2’FL), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and lactose was investigated using the Ex vivo SIFR® technology that employs bioreactor fermentation and is validated to be predictive of clinical findings. Additionally, it was evaluated whether combining faecal microbiomes of a given age group into a single pooled microbiome produced similar results as the individual microbiomes. Results: First, marked age-dependent changes in community structure were identified. Bifidobacterium levels strongly declined as age increased, and Bifidobacterium species composition was age-dependent: B. longum, B. catenulatum/pseudocatenulatum, and B. adolescentis were most prevalent for breastfed infants, toddlers/children, and adults, respectively. Metabolomic analyses (LA-REIMS) demonstrated that these age-dependent differences particularly impacted treatment effects of 2’FL (more than FOS/lactose). Further analysis revealed that while 2’FL enhanced production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and exerted potent bifidogenic effects, regardless of age, the specific Bifidobacterium species enhanced by 2’FL, as well as subsequent cross-feeding interactions, were highly age-dependent. Furthermore, single-pooled microbiomes produced results that were indicative of the average treatment response for each age group. Nevertheless, pooled microbiomes had an artificially high diversity, thus overestimating treatment responses (especially for infants), did not recapitulate interindividual variation, and disallowed for the correlative analysis required to unravel mechanistic actions. Conclusions: Age is an important factor in shaping the gut microbiome, with the dominant taxa and their metabolites changing over a lifetime. This divergence affects the response of the microbiota to therapeutics, demonstrated in this study using 2’FL. These results evidence the importance of screening across multiple age groups separately to provide granularity of how therapeutics impact the microbiome and, consequently, human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health)
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15 pages, 1335 KiB  
Article
Lactobacillus helveticus Induces Two Types of Dendritic Cell Activation and Effectively Suppresses Onset of the Common Cold: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
by Hiroka Wada, Takashi Mawatari, Yasuo Saito, Naoki Azuma and Yoshitaka Iwama
Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010101 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 982
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Lactobacillus helveticus GCL1815 is a lactic acid bacterium thought to activate dendritic cells. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study aimed to evaluate the effects of L. helveticus GCL1815 on human dendritic cells and the onset of the common cold. Methods: Two hundred participants [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Lactobacillus helveticus GCL1815 is a lactic acid bacterium thought to activate dendritic cells. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study aimed to evaluate the effects of L. helveticus GCL1815 on human dendritic cells and the onset of the common cold. Methods: Two hundred participants were divided into two groups and took capsules containing either six billion L. helveticus GCL1815 cells or placebo for 8 weeks. Results: In the GCL1815 group, the cumulative incidence days of symptoms such as feverishness, fatigue, tiredness, runny nose, nasal congestion, and phlegm were significantly lower than in the placebo group. Moreover, the change in the expression of HLA-DR on plasmacytoid dendritic cells was significantly higher in the GCL1815 group than in the placebo group at 4 and 8 weeks of intake. The expression of CD86 on plasmacytoid dendritic cells was significantly increased in the GCL1815 group at 4 and 8 weeks compared with before intake. Additionally, the expression of HLA-DR on type 1 conventional dendritic cells was significantly higher in the GCL1815 group than in the placebo group at 8 weeks of intake. The expression of CD86 on type 1 conventional dendritic cells significantly decreased in the placebo group but remained statistically the same in the GCL1815 group after intake compared with before. Conclusions: These results suggest that GCL1815 intake may enhance the response to viruses by activating two types of dendritic cells, thereby preventing the onset of systemic and local common colds in healthy adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health)
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27 pages, 7389 KiB  
Article
Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis CKDB001 Ameliorates Metabolic Complications in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
by Hyunsoo Jang, Hyunchae Joung, Jaeryang Chu, Minseo Cho, Yeon-Woo Kim, Kyung Hwan Kim, Chang Hun Shin, Jisu Lee and Jung-Heun Ha
Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4260; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244260 - 10 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1069
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Functional probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis CKDB001, have shown potential as a therapeutic option for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, their effects have not been confirmed in in vivo systems. Here, we investigated the effects of L. delbrueckii subsp. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Functional probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis CKDB001, have shown potential as a therapeutic option for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, their effects have not been confirmed in in vivo systems. Here, we investigated the effects of L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis CKDB001 on insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, MASLD, and lipid metabolism in a murine model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Methods: The mice were divided into four groups (n = 12 per group)—normal chow diet (NCD), high fat diet (HFD), HFD with L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis CKDB001 (LL), and HFD with resmetirom (positive control (PC), a thyroid receptor β agonist). The experimental animals were fed NCD or HFD for 12 weeks, followed by an additional 12-week oral treatment with LL or resmetirom. Results: LL supplementation reduced body weight, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR compared with those in the HFD group, indicating improved insulin sensitivity. Additionally, LL reduced serum triglyceride (TG) levels without affecting total cholesterol (TC) levels. HFD consumption increased liver weight and hepatic TG and TC levels, indicating ectopic fat accumulation; however, LL supplementation reversed these changes, indicating a liver-specific effect on cholesterol metabolism. Furthermore, LL administration attenuated NAFLD activity scores, reduced hepatic fibrosis, improved liver function markers (aspartate aminotransferase), and enhanced Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. However, LL did not considerably affect the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism. In epididymal adipose tissue, LL treatment reduced leptin levels but had no effect on adiponectin; additionally, histological analysis showed an increase in adipocyte size, potentially linked to enhanced energy metabolism. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings suggest that LL could be a promising therapeutic candidate for improving insulin sensitivity, reducing hepatic lipid accumulation, and mitigating MASLD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health)
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13 pages, 2876 KiB  
Article
Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG5368 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG989 Regulates Skin Health in UVB-Induced HaCaT Cells and Hairless Mice Model
by Jeong-Yong Park, Ji Yeon Lee, Seonghwa Hong, Huijin Heo, Hana Lee, Yong Gyeong Kim, Byoung-Kook Kim, Soo-Im Choi and Junsoo Lee
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4083; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234083 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 954
Abstract
Background: Photoaging, induced by chronic ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure, results in the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, leading to skin roughness, wrinkle formation, and reduced elasticity. Recent studies have explored probiotics as potential inhibitors of extrinsic aging, primarily through mechanisms that protect [...] Read more.
Background: Photoaging, induced by chronic ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure, results in the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, leading to skin roughness, wrinkle formation, and reduced elasticity. Recent studies have explored probiotics as potential inhibitors of extrinsic aging, primarily through mechanisms that protect the skin barrier and reduce collagen breakdown. Methods: This study investigates the anti-photoaging effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG5368 (L. fermentum MG5368) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG989 (L. plantarum MG989) in UVB-exposed keratinocytes and an SKH-1 hairless mice model. Results: Both strains demonstrated significant efficacy in preserving collagen through the inhibition of activating protein-1 (AP-1) and reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3. Additionally, both strains restored COL1A1 protein expressions, thereby enhancing collagen synthesis and ECM stability. Enhanced skin elasticity was observed, attributed to restored levels of hyaluronic acid and hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) protein expressions. Conclusions: These findings suggest that L. fermentum MG5368 and L. plantarum MG989 may serve as promising probiotic-based agents for anti-photoaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health)
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20 pages, 3523 KiB  
Article
Effect of Postbiotic Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 on Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Serum Biochemistry, and Intestinal Microbiota in Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Parallel, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
by Malwina Naghibi, Adria Pont-Beltran, Araceli Lamelas, Laura Llobregat, Juan F. Martinez-Blanch, Antonia Rojas, Beatriz Álvarez, Bricia López Plaza, Lucia Arcos Castellanos, Empar Chenoll, Vineetha Vijayakumar and Richard Day
Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3952; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223952 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2491
Abstract
Objectives: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial was conducted to assess the effect of heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (HT-ES1) in healthy adults with mild to moderate digestive symptoms. A total of 60 participants were recruited and received either HT-ES1 or an identical [...] Read more.
Objectives: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial was conducted to assess the effect of heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (HT-ES1) in healthy adults with mild to moderate digestive symptoms. A total of 60 participants were recruited and received either HT-ES1 or an identical placebo for 8 weeks with a further follow-up at week 10. Methods: This study monitored changes in the total Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale for IBS score (GSRS-IBS), Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life index (IBS-QoL), gut microbiome using 16S rRNA sequencing, and the Visceral Sensitivity Index, as well as a range of biochemical markers, anthropometric parameters, and adverse events. Results: While minimal changes were observed in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, the HT-ES1 group showed a significant decrease in total and non-HDL cholesterol compared to the placebo. The intervention group also exhibited a significant increase in the abundance of the genera Faecalibacterium and Anaerobutyricum, both of which were positively correlated with butyrate concentrations. Faecal calprotectin significantly increased over time in the placebo group but remained stable in the HT-ES1 group. Conclusions: Overall, these findings suggest that HT-ES1 may promote gut health by increasing butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut, maintaining normal levels of faecal calprotectin and reducing serum cholesterol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health)
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19 pages, 2647 KiB  
Article
Akkermansia muciniphila for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity: A Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies
by Ethan Liu, Xiangming Ji and Kequan Zhou
Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3440; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203440 - 11 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2913
Abstract
Background: More than half of the states in the U.S. report that over 30% of adults are obese. Obesity increases the risk of many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, and can even reduce one’s lifespan. Similarly, the prevalence [...] Read more.
Background: More than half of the states in the U.S. report that over 30% of adults are obese. Obesity increases the risk of many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, and can even reduce one’s lifespan. Similarly, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes follows a comparable trend. As a result, researchers are striving to find solutions to reduce obesity rates, with a particular focus on gut health, which has been previously linked to both obesity and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies suggest that Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) may have a positive probiotic effect on preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Methods: We conducted a quantitative meta-analysis of 15 qualified animal studies investigating the effects of Akk administration as a probiotic. Results: The statistical analyses showed that Akk administration significantly reduced body weight gain by 10.4% and fasting blood glucose by 21.2%, while also significantly improving glucose tolerance by 22.1% and increasing blood insulin levels by 26.9%. However, our analysis revealed substantial heterogeneity between the control and experimental groups across all subgroups. Conclusions: Overall, Akk appears to be effective at reducing the onset of type 2 diabetes and diet-induced obesity. Long-term studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these beneficial effects, as the current animal studies were of short duration (less than 20 weeks). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health)
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Review

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22 pages, 1277 KiB  
Review
Probiotics: A Potential Strategy for Preventing and Managing Cardiovascular Disease
by Anallely López-Yerena, Victoria de Santisteban Villaplana, Lina Badimon, Gemma Vilahur and Teresa Padro
Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010052 - 27 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1669
Abstract
Probiotics are gaining recognition as a viable strategy for mitigating cardiovascular risk factors. Specifically, recent studies highlight their potential benefits in managing cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation, which are critical components in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This comprehensive review aims [...] Read more.
Probiotics are gaining recognition as a viable strategy for mitigating cardiovascular risk factors. Specifically, recent studies highlight their potential benefits in managing cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation, which are critical components in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the impact of probiotic consumption on major cardiovascular risk factors, including individuals with hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, and in secondary prevention in coronary artery disease. Scientific evidence based on human studies suggests that probiotic consumption is associated with positive effects on anthropometric measures, inflammation markers, blood pressure, glucose metabolism markers, lipid profiles, and endothelial function. However, these findings should be interpreted pragmatically and acknowledge the significant variability in results. This variability may be attributed to factors such as probiotic composition (single strain or multiple strains), the characteristics of the delivery matrix (food, capsules, and sachets), the duration of the intervention, the dosage regimen, and baseline health profiles of the participants. Incorporating probiotics as part of a comprehensive and healthy lifestyle approach can be considered a feasible strategy for both the prevention and management of CVD. However, further research is needed on factors influencing the effect of probiotics, such as: (i) optimal probiotic strain(s), (ii) appropriate dosage, (iii) duration of treatment, (iv) optimal delivery vehicle, and (v) sex-specific differences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health)
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32 pages, 455 KiB  
Review
Health-Promoting and Functional Properties of Fermented Milk Beverages with Probiotic Bacteria in the Prevention of Civilization Diseases
by Milena Alicja Stachelska, Piotr Karpiński and Bartosz Kruszewski
Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010009 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 976
Abstract
Background/Objectives: There is scattered information in the scientific literature regarding the characterization of probiotic bacteria found in fermented milk beverages and the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on human health. Our objective was to gather the available information on the use of probiotic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: There is scattered information in the scientific literature regarding the characterization of probiotic bacteria found in fermented milk beverages and the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on human health. Our objective was to gather the available information on the use of probiotic bacteria in the prevention of civilization diseases, with a special focus on the prevention of obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Methods: We carried out a literature review including the following keywords, either individually or collectively: lactic acid bacteria; probiotic bacteria; obesity; lactose intolerance; diabetes; cancer protection; civilization diseases; intestinal microbiota; intestinal pathogens. Results: This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the use of probiotic bacteria in the prevention of civilization diseases. Probiotic bacteria are a set of living microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, exert a beneficial effect on the health of the host and allow for the renewal of the correct quantitative and qualitative composition of the microbiota. Probiotic bacteria favorably modify the composition of the intestinal microbiota, inhibit the development of intestinal pathogens, prevent constipation, strengthen the immune system, and reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance. As fermented milk beverages are an excellent source of probiotic bacteria, their regular consumption can be a strong point in the prevention of various types of civilization diseases. Conclusions: The presence of lactic acid bacteria, including probiotic bacteria in fermented milk beverages, reduces the incidence of obesity and diabetes and serves as a tool in the prevention of cancer diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health)
29 pages, 1434 KiB  
Review
Intestinal Barrier Impairment, Preservation, and Repair: An Update
by Ayah Matar, John A. Damianos, Kara J. Jencks and Michael Camilleri
Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3494; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203494 - 15 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5485
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Our objective was to review published studies of the intestinal barrier and permeability, the deleterious effects of dietary components (particularly fat), the impact of altered intestinal permeability in disease models and human diseases, the role of the microbiome and epigenomics in control [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Our objective was to review published studies of the intestinal barrier and permeability, the deleterious effects of dietary components (particularly fat), the impact of altered intestinal permeability in disease models and human diseases, the role of the microbiome and epigenomics in control of barrier function, and the opportunities to restore normal barrier function with dietary interventions and products of the microbiota. Methods: We conducted a literature review including the following keywords alone or in combination: intestinal barrier, permeability, microbiome, epigenomics, diet, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, probiotics. Results: Intestinal permeability is modified by a diet including fat, which increases permeability, and nutrients such as fiber, glutamine, zinc, vitamin D, polyphenols, emulsifiers, and anthocyanins, which decrease permeability. There is significant interaction of the microbiome and barrier function, including the inflammatory of luminal/bacterial antigens, and anti-inflammatory effects of commensals or probiotics and their products, including short-chain fatty acids. Epigenomic modification of barrier functions are best illustrated by effects on junction proteins or inflammation. Detailed documentation of the protective effects of diet, probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiota is provided. Conclusion: intestinal permeability is a critical factor in protection against gastrointestinal diseases and is impacted by nutrients that preserve or heal and repair the barrier and nurture anti-inflammatory effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health)
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18 pages, 323 KiB  
Review
Cosmeceuticals: A Review of Clinical Studies Claiming to Contain Specific, Well-Characterized Strains of Probiotics or Postbiotics
by Ioannis M. Theodorou, Dorothea Kapoukranidou, Markos Theodorou, Joulia K. Tsetis, Alexandra Eleftheria Menni, Georgios Tzikos, Stella Bareka, Anne Shrewsbury, George Stavrou and Katerina Kotzampassi
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2526; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152526 - 2 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3456
Abstract
The skin serves as a critical barrier against external threats—dehydration, ultraviolet exposure, and infections—playing a significant role in internal homeostasis and moisture retention. Additionally, and equally importantly, it interacts dynamically with the complex microbiome resident in it, which is essential for maintaining skin [...] Read more.
The skin serves as a critical barrier against external threats—dehydration, ultraviolet exposure, and infections—playing a significant role in internal homeostasis and moisture retention. Additionally, and equally importantly, it interacts dynamically with the complex microbiome resident in it, which is essential for maintaining skin health. Recent interest has focused on the use of probiotics and postbiotics, besides their ability to modulate the skin microbiome, to enhance barrier function, and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, to be involved in skincare, by having the potential to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and overall appearance, as well as in reducing signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. The products—being a combination of a cosmetic regime plus probiotic[s] or postbiotic[s]—are named cosmeceuticals. However, to comply with the regulations for the characterization of a microorganism as a specific probiotic strain, the pro- or postbiotics incorporated into the cosmetic regime should be both genetically and phenotypically defined. Thus, in this review, we present 14 published clinical trials using such cosmetic products with specific, well-characterized strains of probiotics or postbiotics applied to volunteers with healthy skin. Looking at the results of these studies collectively, we can say that these genetically and phenotypically defined strains of either live or inanimate bacteria and/or their components seem to keep the treated skin at least fully hydrated, with intact epithelial tone, increased radiance, and with decreased wrinkle depth, while normalizing the commensal skin microbiota. Future advancements in personalized skin care may lead to genomic sequencing and metabolomics to tailor probiotic and postbiotic treatments to individual skin microbiomes, promising a new frontier in cosmeceuticals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health)
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