Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.1
5.0
Journals
Nutrients
Special Issues
Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health (3rd...
nutrients-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health (3rd Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 4717

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Katerina Kotzampassi

E-Mail Website
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
Dr. George Stavrou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of General Surgery, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
2. 1st Surgical Department 417 Military Veterans Fund [NIMITS] Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
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, probiotics, either alone or in association with prebiotics as supplements, have been well documented to play an important role in host health and disease management. However, given today’s augmented knowledge on their specific antioxidant and immunomodulatory actions and ability to modulate the gut microbiota and enhance epithelial barrier function, to mention just a few, and the consequent beneficial effects on disease prevention and treatment, a very significant volume of research and clinical applications today are focused on their use.

The word “probiotics” tends to be automatically linked to gut microbiota; however, almost all scientists today know that the gut, although the oldest recognized and possibly the central “host” organ, is not unique, with others including the lungs and the 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. However, they have traditionally also been used instead of live probiotics, with immunocompromised patients being at risk of bacteremia induction.

Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643) is an international, peer reviewed, open access [Impact Factor 5.9] advanced forum for publishing studies of any type related to the broad spectrum of human nutrition. Seeking a multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach to the topic of “health promotion and maintenance” by means of probiotics, prebiotics, or postbiotics, and based on your insights and expertise in this complex field, we welcome the submission of papers from all aspects of research, along with reviews and meta-analyses. Potential topics might include the following:

  • Gut motility control;
  • Glucose tolerance;
  • Bone density;
  • Cardiovascular health;
  • Metabolism;
  • Cognitive function/mood.

In view of the success of the first volume of this Special Issue, we are now launching Volume 3: Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health (3rd Edition); we welcome your contributions to the new volume of this Special Issue.

Dr. Katerina Kotzampassi
Dr. George Stavrou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

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

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 17529 KB  
Article
The Effect of Pediococcus Lactis and Postbiotics on Gut Health and Intestinal Metabolic Profiles
by Jintao Sun, Huaiyu Zhang, Weina Liu, Jinquan Wang, Xiumin Wang, Zhenlong Wang, Hui Tao and Bing Han
Nutrients 2026, 18(8), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18081184 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 276
Abstract
Background: To investigate the effects of probiotics and their postbiotics on mouse health, this study utilized healthy mice randomly assigned to a control group (CK, n = 6), a probiotic group (L, n = 6, oral gavage 200 μL Pediococcus lactis), and [...] Read more.
Background: To investigate the effects of probiotics and their postbiotics on mouse health, this study utilized healthy mice randomly assigned to a control group (CK, n = 6), a probiotic group (L, n = 6, oral gavage 200 μL Pediococcus lactis), and a postbiotic group (PL, n = 6, oral gavage 200 μL Pediococcus lactis postbiotic). Methods: Following 21 days of continuous intervention, changes in gut metabolic profiles, microbial community structure, tissue morphology, and tight junction protein expression were systematically analyzed using metabolomics, 16S rRNA sequencing, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and immunohistochemistry techniques. Results: The results revealed that screening for significantly altered endogenous metabolites identified core differences concentrated in metabolites related to intestinal barrier repair, anti-inflammation, and antioxidant activity (e.g., 3-indolepropionic acid, astaxanthin, hydroxybenzoic acid). 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the overall community structure was relatively stable according to principal component analysis, although differences were detected in specific taxa. However, LEfSe analysis identified significantly enriched functional microbial groups at multiple taxonomic levels in the PL group: phylum: Actinomycetota; class: Coriobacteriia; order: Coriobacteriales, Erysipelotrichales; family: Erysipelotrichaceae, Eggerthellaceae; genus: norank_Erysipelotrichaceae, Intestinimonas. These results suggest that although the overall community structure remained relatively stable, specific taxa may have differed between groups. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed no pathological lesions in intestinal tissues from either group, with intact mucosal architecture. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated significantly elevated expression of intestinal tight junction proteins Claudin 1, MUC-2, Occludin, and ZO-1 in the PL group compared to the CK group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In summary, this probiotic (Pediococcus lactis) and its postbiotic showed promising effects, which may be related to changes in specific microbiota taxa, intestinal metabolic profiles, and tight junction protein expression. Beyond maintaining gut microbiota and tissue homeostasis, it enhances intestinal barrier function, suppresses latent inflammation, and boosts antioxidant capacity. Postbiotics may exhibit superior efficacy compared to probiotics. This provides robust experimental evidence for its development and application in gut health products for healthy populations. However, these findings still require further validation in studies with longer intervention periods and in disease models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health (3rd Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 323 KB  
Review
Neurocosmetics or Hype? Psychobiotic Potential of Strain-Specific Cosmeceuticals
by Alexandra-Eleftheria Menni, Helen Theodorou, Georgios Tzikos, George Stavrou, Ioannis M. Theodorou, Eleni Semertzidou, Joanna Venieri, Aristeidis Ioannidis, Anne D. Shrewsbury and Katerina Kotzampassi
Nutrients 2026, 18(5), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18050817 - 2 Mar 2026
Viewed by 948
Abstract
Background: There is increasing interest in cosmeceuticals—cosmetic regimes incorporating a specific probiotic or postbiotic strain, fully characterized genetically and phenotypically—which, when topically applied, have the ability to modulate the skin microbiome, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and improve the overall skin appearance by reducing signs [...] Read more.
Background: There is increasing interest in cosmeceuticals—cosmetic regimes incorporating a specific probiotic or postbiotic strain, fully characterized genetically and phenotypically—which, when topically applied, have the ability to modulate the skin microbiome, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and improve the overall skin appearance by reducing signs of aging. In addition, claims have been made that emotional and psychological well-being can be improved by neuroactive substances released by the probiotics in cosmeceuticals, acting via the skin–brain axis. However, claims are somewhat generalized and imprecise, and we deemed it important to look more precisely at published research relating to cosmeceuticals. There have been very few research publications on these products, identified as neurocosmetics, and they immediately provoked strong reactions from dermatologists and psychiatrists, mainly with regard to the ethical and safety aspects of their use. Objectives/Method: The present strain-centered literature evaluation aimed to select from peer-reviewed publications referring to cosmeceuticals only those dealing with fully characterized, specific probiotic strains with documented beneficial skin properties. Eligible strains found were subsequently subjected to a secondary search to ascertain whether they also demonstrated clinical, or even experimental, evidence of strain-specific psychobiotic properties. Results: From 33 strain-specific cosmeceuticals identified, only three strains—Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris H61, Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, and Weizmannia coagulans MTCC 5856—demonstrated reproducible evidence of psychobiotic potential. Conclusions: Current evidence does not support the notion that cosmeceuticals are likely to directly modulate emotional states through topical application, since the coexistence of cosmeceutical and psychobiotic properties within the same probiotic strain seems to be both uncommon and highly strain-specific and therefore of little practical, generalized use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health (3rd Edition))
30 pages, 2087 KB  
Review
Prebiotics and Gut Health: Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Future Directions
by Cinara Regina A. V. Monteiro, Eduarda G. Bogea, Carmem D. L. Campos, José L. Pereira-Filho, Viviane S. S. Almeida, André A. M. Vale, Ana Paula S. Azevedo-Santos and Valério Monteiro-Neto
Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030372 - 23 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3170
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Prebiotics, which are non-digestible compounds that selectively modulate gut microbiota, are recognized for their potential to promote host health. Although their bifidogenic effect is well documented, a systematic synthesis of how this microbial modulation translates into clinical gastrointestinal (GI) and metabolic outcomes [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Prebiotics, which are non-digestible compounds that selectively modulate gut microbiota, are recognized for their potential to promote host health. Although their bifidogenic effect is well documented, a systematic synthesis of how this microbial modulation translates into clinical gastrointestinal (GI) and metabolic outcomes across diverse populations is needed. This review aims to integrate mechanistic insights with clinical evidence to elucidate the pathway from prebiotic structures to tangible health benefits. Methods: This comprehensive narrative review details the structural properties of major prebiotics (e.g., inulin, FOS, and GOS) that govern their fermentation and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). To evaluate clinical efficacy, an analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials from the past decade was conducted, focusing on human studies that utilized ISAPP-recognized prebiotics as the sole intervention. Results: The analysis confirms that prebiotic supplementation consistently increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and SCFA production. These changes are associated with significant clinical improvements, including enhanced stool frequency and consistency, strengthened intestinal barrier function, and modulated immune responses. Benefits have been documented in healthy individuals, children, the elderly, and those with conditions such as constipation, metabolic syndrome, and antibiotic-associated dysbiosis. However, significant inter-individual variability in response was evident, and the study designs showed notable heterogeneity in prebiotic type, dosage, and duration. Conclusions: Prebiotics are effective modulators of gut health, driving clinical benefits through selective microbial fermentation and SCFA production. The documented heterogeneity and variability highlight the need for future research to focus on personalized nutritional strategies. Key priorities include standardizing intervention protocols, elucidating dose–response relationships, integrating multi-omics data to link taxonomy to function, and exploring novel applications such as synbiotic formulations and gut–brain axis modulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics on Human Health (3rd Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-3
Back to TopTop