Search Results (365)

Nutrition in the early years of life plays a fundamental role in newborn growth, immune maturation, metabolic regulation, endocrine signaling, and neurological development, specifically through its interaction with the developing gut microbiota. Breast milk is the biological gold standard for infant nutrition; however, when breastfeeding is not possible, the development of formulations supplemented with bioactive substances can improve functional outcomes in comparison to standard milk formula. This narrative review discusses current evidence on formulas enriched with prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, human milk oligosaccharides, and other bioactive molecules. The review focuses on gut microbiota modulation, gastrointestinal function, growth and nutritional adequacy, immune development, infection-related outcomes, safety and tolerability, endocrine signaling, intestinal stem-cell regulation, obesity-related metabolic pathways, and emerging gut–brain axis interactions. Overall, available data indicate that bioactive-supplemented formulas are generally safe, well tolerated, and able to support normal growth, including in selected infants with specific clinical conditions. The most consistent effects are observed in the gastrointestinal tract, where supplementation promotes a more bifidogenic microbial profile, improves stool characteristics, supports intestinal barrier function, and influences microbial metabolic activity. By contrast, evidence regarding systemic immune effects, endocrine modulation, obesity prevention, and neurodevelopmental outcomes remains promising but heterogeneous and is still largely derived from preliminary human studies and experimental models. Therefore, these formulas may be considered a useful option when breastfeeding is not feasible, provided that their use is clinically appropriate and evidence based. Further studies are needed to clarify their long-term functional and clinical implications. Full article

Starch (native and modified) is a major polymer in baked goods, affecting dough rheology, crumb structure, and shelf life. This review covers recent advances in starch functionalization for baking, including chemical, physical, and enzymatic modifications. It further examines how other polysaccharides (e.g., gums and fibres) modulate starch-based systems, and finally addresses strategies to reduce fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) in bakery products. Emphasis is placed on novel technologies, trade-offs (prebiotic fiber vs. FODMAPs), and gaps needing future research. Full article

Background: Agaro-oligosaccharides (AOS) have been shown to modulate the gut microbiota in in vitro and animal studies; however, human evidence remains scarce. Methods: Herein, we conducted a four-week open-label, single-arm, non-randomized pilot trial in 18 healthy Japanese adults to examine the association of AOS intake at 200 mg/day with gut microbiota composition and bowel condition. Fecal samples collected before and after the intervention were analyzed using QIIME2-based 16S rRNA sequencing, and bowel condition was assessed with the Bristol Stool Form Scale. This study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000056992). Results: AOS intake was not associated with significant changes in bowel condition. Gut microbiota analysis showed no significant alterations in overall community structure but revealed taxon-specific trends in the relative abundance of several bacterial taxa. Notably, nominal changes were observed in the abundance of the Ruminococcus gnavus group and Bacteroides uniformis after the intervention. In addition, quantitative PCR analysis showed an increase in 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose cycloisomerase (ACI) gene abundance after the intervention. Conclusions: These findings suggest that, in this exploratory pilot study, AOS intake was associated with a taxon-specific pattern in the gut microbiota. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to clarify the microbiota-related effects of AOS in humans. Full article

The brewing industry remains at the forefront of technological innovation, with growing interest in alternative yeasts. Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, a well-established probiotic yeast, has attracted attention for its potential to produce probiotic-enriched beers, offering an option for moderate consumers seeking functional beverages. This mini-review brings together current research on the use of S. boulardii in craft brewing, focusing on fermentation performance, flavour and sensory characteristics, and potential health-related functions. While often regarded as a variant of S. cerevisiae, S. boulardii shows comparable or greater cell growth, increased acetic acid production at the expense of glycerol, and lower alcohol yield compared to S. cerevisiae. Despite these differences, beers brewed with S. boulardii exhibit similar volatile compound profiles and sensory characteristics to those produced with S. cerevisiae. In terms of health-related attributes, S. boulardii-fermented beers show higher antioxidant activity, the presence of malto-oligosaccharides with prebiotic potential, and the ability of yeast to survive both storage and gastrointestinal transit. Strategies explored to optimise its brewing performance and customer acceptance include co-fermentation with S. cerevisiae, modified mashing protocols, and natural flavour additions. Overall, the available evidence supports S. boulardii as a promising yeast for developing probiotic-enriched beers. Further research is needed to validate current findings at commercial scales, investigate host–microbiome interactions following beer consumption and develop strategies that balance probiotic efficacy and desirable beer appearance over shelf life. The paper may assist brewers in making informed decisions about deploying S. boulardii, aligning consumer interest in functional beverages with the enjoyment of beer. Full article

The significance of less abundant genera within the gut microbiota, such as Parabacteroides, remains largely unexplored. Despite its low levels, Parabacteroides is highly conserved and potentially beneficial across populations. This trial aimed to evaluate whether a four-week intake of glucolacto-oligosaccharides (GLO), previously reported as an enhancer of Parabacteroides, improves defecation frequency as the primary outcome. It also assessed holistic gut health and underlying microbiota-based mechanisms. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 50 healthy Japanese participants with a defecation frequency of five or fewer times per week were enrolled. The mean (±SE) weekly defecation frequency in the GLO group was 3.2 ± 0.2 at baseline, increasing to 5.8 ± 0.6 at week 4, whereas that in the placebo group was 3.4 ± 0.3 at baseline, increasing to 4.4 ± 0.3 at week 4. The time-dependent weekly defecation frequency was significantly higher in the GLO group than in the placebo group (p = 0.029). Changes in the relative abundance of the genus Parabacteroides significantly increased in the GLO group compared with in the placebo group. Changes in fecal bile acid composition were also confirmed in the GLO group compared with the placebo group, which was thought to be due to the unique features of Parabacteroides. Furthermore, changes in alpha diversity indices were significantly higher in the GLO group than in the placebo group (Simpson, p = 0.041; Pielou, p = 0.022). Additional analysis demonstrated that the increase in alpha diversity in the GLO group was significantly correlated with the increase in the relative abundance of Parabacteroides (p = 0.006), which tended to be associated with decreases in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (p = 0.089) and serum triglyceride (p = 0.075) levels. These data suggest that GLO intake improved defecation status, selectively increased Parabacteroides, and harmonized the gut environment. Full article

Background: Intestinal barrier problems cause obesity and related health issues. We focus on treatments that fix the gut lining and change gut bacteria. Soy oligosaccharides (SOSs) are prebiotics. They change gut bacteria and help lower fats. The mechanism by which SOS affects high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity remains to be fully elucidated. Objectives: We want to see if SOS improves the mucus barrier in the gut by investigating how mucus is produced, modified and released. We hypothesise that SOS can reduce obesity and associated health problems by regulating mucus and gut bacteria. Methods: Accordingly, HFD-fed mice were used in this study. Results: The results showed that SOS alleviated HFD-induced weight gain and glucose disorders. It also enhanced the gut mucus barrier by promoting goblet cell differentiation and regulating mucus-related genes. In addition, SOS intervention was associated with increased abundance of potentially beneficial gut taxa. These bacterial changes were linked to better health measures. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that SOS confer metabolic protection against HFD-induced obesity, at least partially, by coordinately modulating the mucus–microbiota axis. Conclusions: These data suggest that SOS may alleviate obesity and related disorders by improving the intestinal mucus layer and gut microbiota. Full article

Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) remains one of the most common food allergies in infancy, requiring the avoidance of cow’s milk and its derivatives. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants. For those infants with CMA whose mothers are unable to breastfeed or choose not to, extensively hydrolysed formulas (eHFs) are widely recommended as first-line milk substitutes, whereas hydrolysed rice formulas (HRFs) are increasingly recognised as a viable alternative. This concept paper provides a healthcare professional (HCP) perspective on HRF, drawing on expert consensus from two meetings convened in 2025. Discussions noted the long history of safe and effective HRF use in Europe, its nutritional adequacy, and the evolving international guidelines supporting HRF as an alternative first-line option. A key meeting outcome was the development of a practical decision tree to help UK clinicians decide when HRF should be the preferred choice. Key considerations for its use in non-breastfed infants include the following: parental/caregiver stress related to persistent symptoms; ongoing symptoms despite multiple interventions; cultural and lifestyle choices; religious dietary requirements; and specialists’ recommendations. Secondary considerations highlighted by HCPs include the following: proven reactions whilst infants are breast-milk-fed together with parental request for formula; faltering growth; multiple symptoms; taste acceptance (older infants); and parental preference based on experience. The role of functional components, such as prebiotics and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), was noted in regard to the emerging evidence of benefits to the microbiome and immune development. The experts emphasised the importance of engaging HCPs across all levels of CMA care and addressing challenges in translating current guidance into treatment practice. It was concluded that, overall, HRF represents a nutritionally complete, plant-based alternative that has been shown to be well tolerated (taste, symptoms) in clinical studies. It can be used to broaden therapeutic options for infants with CMA in the UK who are not exclusively fed breast milk. Full article

This study investigates the extraction of pectic polysaccharides from rapeseed meal (RSM) using both conventional and enzyme-assisted techniques, and the obtained pectic polysaccharide fractions will be used later to produce prebiotic pectic oligosaccharides (POS). A two-step process was developed, involving enzymatic treatment with Alcalase^® 2.4 L for 2 h and Cellic^® CTec3 HS preparations for 24 h, followed by ammonium oxalate extraction, which effectively isolated two pectic polysaccharide-enriched fractions: PP-EAE (first step) and the resulting Ca-bound pectic polysaccharides fraction (CaPP-EAE) (second step). Both fractions exhibited a bimodal molecular weight profile, indicative of the presence of long-chain polysaccharides alongside oligosaccharides. CaPP-EAE compositional analysis revealed that the fraction contained 56.8% galacturonic acid (GalA), low methyl-esterified (LM) pectins with 53.2% homogalacturonan (HG) and 30.2% rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) domains, featuring side chains of arabinan, arabinogalactan, and galactan. Subsequent enzymatic treatment with 0.5% (v/v) of Pectinex^® Ultra Passover for 30 min transformed these fragments into a mixture of short-chain POS. Importantly, the produced short-chain POS fraction demonstrated enhanced prebiotic activity, particularly for bacterial strains of the family Lactobacillaceae, compared to a yeast strain. These findings provide a sustainable, biorefinery-compatible approach for extracting and modifying RSM polysaccharides, supporting the development of structurally defined POS as novel prebiotics. Full article

Early life represents a critical developmental programming window during which nutrition and microbial exposures shape long-term physiological function. Feeding mode is a major determinant of infant gut microbiota assembly and metabolic activity. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence comparing breastfeeding (BF) and formula feeding in relation to microbial composition, functional capacity, and immune programming during the preweaning and early postweaning periods. BF may support a relatively stable, bifidobacteria-dominated microbiota enriched in pathways involved in carbohydrate utilization, vitamin biosynthesis, and immune modulation. Human milk oligosaccharides, secretory IgA, lactoferrin, and milk-associated microbes collectively guide microbial succession, enhance barrier integrity, and support immune tolerance. In contrast, formula-fed infants typically exhibit greater microbial diversity, earlier transition toward adult-like profiles, and increased abundance of facultative anaerobes, alongside the enrichment of pathways related to bile acid and amino acid metabolism. Microbiota patterns in formula-fed infants are further influenced by formula composition, including protein load, lipid structure, and supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, and human milk oligosaccharide analogues. Although advances in formula design have reduced compositional gaps, functional differences in microbial stability and immune programming persist. Recognizing early infancy as a sensitive programming window underscores the need for microbiome-informed nutritional strategies and longitudinal, multi-omics research to clarify causal mechanisms and optimize early-life interventions. Full article

A number of products for maintaining intimate hygiene are available on the market. They consist of a blend of components intended to cleanse, care for and protect the area of application, and support its microbiological balance. The present study reviews the compositions of international intimate hygiene product brands currently available in Poland (within the European Union) and the frequency of their components: their surfactants, plant extracts, prebiotics, postbiotics and skin care agents. The most popular surfactants in rinse-off products for women were Cocamidopropyl Betaine, present in 72% of products, followed by Coco-Glucoside (58%) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (24%). Similarly, in the products for girls, the most common were Cocamidopropyl Betaine (55%), Lauryl Glucoside (45%), Coco-Glucoside (40%) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (20%). The intimate wipes contained mainly nonionic surfactants: PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (28%), Coco-Glucoside and Polysorbate 20 (20% each). Many components with protective and caring properties were identified: plant extracts (e.g., Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract), prebiotics (Inulin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide) and postbiotics (Lactobacillus Ferment, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate), as well as Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Panthenol and Allantoin. Full article

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a major butyrate-producing gut commensal with anti-inflammatory activity, is extremely oxygen-sensitive, limiting its use as a probiotic. Dietary prebiotics may enhance its growth and resilience, thereby influencing host immune responses. This study examined how distinct classes of prebiotics including oligosaccharides (fructooligosaccharides, arabinoxylan), nondigestible polysaccharides (inulin, pectin, resistant starch, golden kiwi fiber), and the vitamin riboflavin affect the growth kinetics, bile tolerance, and immunomodulatory properties of F. prausnitzii. Doubling times were quantified in MRS medium supplemented with 0–2% prebiotics, bile tolerance was assessed under 0–0.5% bile salts, and immunomodulatory response was evaluated by measuring TNF-α expression in monocytic THP-1 cells exposed to bacterial supernatants. All prebiotics significantly reduced doubling times compared with controls, with FOSs, inulin, pectin, resistant starch, and riboflavin showing clear dose-dependent stimulation. Prebiotics also mitigated bile-induced growth delays, though with substrate-specific patterns; pectin and FOSs conferred the strongest protection. Culture supernatants significantly altered TNF-α expression, with pectin inducing the greatest response, followed by arabinoxylan, FOSs, and golden kiwi fiber. Overall, prebiotics enhanced F. prausnitzii growth, increased stress resilience, and differentially modulated immune-related metabolites. Pectin emerged as a particularly effective substrate for promoting microbial function and host-relevant immunomodulation. Full article

Pectin-derived oligosaccharides (POS) are emerging as promising functional prebiotics with growing industrial interest. This study reports a synergistic fungal pectinolytic biocatalytic system comprising endopolygalacturonase (EndoPG) and pectin methylesterase (PET11) from Aspergillus aculeatinus BCC 17849 for the controlled depolymerization of pomelo (Citrus maxima) albedo pectin. PET11-mediated demethylation increased substrate accessibility, thereby enhancing EndoPG-catalyzed hydrolysis and resulting in higher POS yields than those obtained with single-enzyme systems. The highest production of short-chain POS, comprising GalA, di-GalA, and tri-GalA (681 mg/g substrate), was achieved at an EndoPG:PET11 dosage ratio of 15:5. The resulting POS fraction significantly promoted the growth of five probiotic strains, including Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria species, and enhanced probiotic adherence to intestinal epithelial cells. In particular, Lactobacillus acidophilus TBRC 5030 exhibited the highest adhesion level (35.24 ± 6.43%) in the presence of 2.0 mg/mL POS. Overall, this work demonstrated that enzyme-assisted demethylation coupled with targeted endo-hydrolysis enables effective tailoring of POS chain length, providing a promising biocatalytic strategy for pectin valorization into prebiotic ingredients. Full article

Fermented products have recently garnered substantial interest in both research and commercial contexts. Although probiotic fermentation is predominantly practiced with dairy, fruits, vegetables, and grains, its application to dual-purpose food-medicine materials like Ganoderma lucidum has been comparatively underexplored. In this study, Ganoderma lucidum fermented juice (GFJ) served as the substrate and was fermented with five probiotic strains. The optimal inoculation ratios—determined by employing a uniform design experiment—were as follows: Bifidobacterium animalis 6.05%, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 9.52%, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 6.63%, Pediococcus pentosaceus 21.38%, and Pediococcus acidilactici 56.42%. Optimal fermentation parameters established by response surface methodology included 24 h of fermentation at 37 °C, a final cell density of 5 × 10⁶ CFU/mL, and a sugar content of 4.5 °Brix. Experiments with RAW264.7 macrophages revealed that GFJ significantly promoted both phagocytic activity and nitric oxide (NO) secretion, indicating enhanced immune characteristics as a result of fermentation. Untargeted metabolomics profiling of GFJ across different fermentation stages showed upregulation of functional metabolites, including polyphenols, prebiotics, functional oligosaccharides, and Ganoderma triterpenoids (GTs)—notably myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside, luteolin-7-O-glucuronide, raffinose, sesamose, and Ganoderma acids. These increments in metabolic compounds strongly correlate with improved functional properties in GFJ, specifically heightened superoxide dismutase activity and immunomodulatory capacity. These results highlight an effective approach for developing functionally enriched fermented products from medicinal fungi, with promising applications in functional food and nutraceutical industries. Full article

Background: Functional constipation (FC) represents a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, affecting approximately 8.5% of the population in China. It is frequently associated with anxiety and depression, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life. Conventional microecological therapeutic approaches predominantly rely on empirical probiotic–prebiotic combinations. However, these pairings are seldom selected based on strain-specific metabolic characteristics, ultimately leading to suboptimal therapeutic synergy. Methods: The generation time (GT) of four constipation-relief strains was measured across eight oligosaccharides to identify optimal substrates for synbiotic formulation. The GT-optimized synbiotic was verified in a loperamide-induced mouse model vs. single probiotics/prebiotics. The related mechanisms of were assessed through 16S rDNA sequencing, targeted metabolomics, and qPCR. Results: The GT-optimized synbiotic significantly outperformed all single components. Specifically, the synbiotic significantly decreased the time to first black stool and increased fecal water content. Mechanistically, it restored colonic neurotransmitter balance, suppressed aquaporin expression, enriched butyrate-producing bacteria, and repaired barrier integrity. Overall, these effects work together, increasing the moisture content of the feces and accelerating intestinal peristalsis, ultimately alleviating constipation. Conclusions: We propose a GT-guided precision-pairing strategy that identifies optimal prebiotics based on strain-specific generation times, demonstrating synergistic enhancement of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, enteric neurotransmitter signaling, and aquaporin-mediated water transport. This GT guided synbiotic approach shows promise in preclinical models and warrants validation in human trials. Full article

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant solid component in human milk and play crucial roles in shaping the gut microbiome and promoting infant health. Although their functions during infancy are well established, emerging evidence suggests that HMOs exert region-specific effects throughout the gastrointestinal tract, extending their benefits beyond early life. This review summarizes current findings on HMO activity in the oral cavity, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, focusing on their microbiota-modulating, barrier-enhancing, and immunoregulatory effects. In the oral cavity, HMOs inhibit pathogen adhesion and biofilm formation, maintaining oral homeostasis. In the stomach, fucosylated and sialylated HMOs act as soluble decoy receptors, preventing Helicobacter pylori infection. In the small intestine, HMOs strengthen epithelial integrity, regulate inflammation, and promote nutrient absorption. In the large intestine, they serve as selective prebiotics for beneficial microbes, enhancing short-chain fatty acid production and improving barrier function. Although preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate their safety and efficacy, further research is required to elucidate their mechanisms in adults. Overall, HMOs represent multifunctional bioactive glycans with promising applications for gastrointestinal health across all ages. Full article