Nutrients

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16 pages, 8602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thai Fermented Soybean (Thua-Nao) Prevents Early Stages of Colorectal Carcinogenesis Induced by Diethylnitrosamine and 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine Through Modulations of Cell Proliferation and Gut Microbiota in Rats

by Sirinya Taya, Sivamoke Dissook, Jetsada Ruangsuriya, Supachai Yodkeeree, Kongsak Boonyapranai, Teera Chewonarin and Rawiwan Wongpoomchai

Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3506; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203506 - 16 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Background: Thua-nao is a traditional fermented soybean product widely consumed in the northern areas of Thailand. There has been little research on the biological activity of Thua-nao, particularly its anticancer properties. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the cancer chemopreventive [...] Read more.

Background: Thua-nao is a traditional fermented soybean product widely consumed in the northern areas of Thailand. There has been little research on the biological activity of Thua-nao, particularly its anticancer properties. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the cancer chemopreventive effects of dried Thua-nao on liver and colorectal carcinogenesis induced by carcinogens in rats. Methods: Rats were injected with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) to induce preneoplastic lesions. Rats orally received dried Thua-nao for 13 weeks. The preneoplastic lesions, including glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P)-positive foci and aberrant crypt foci (ACF), were evaluated in the liver and colon, respectively. The cancer chemopreventive mechanisms of dried Thua-nao on liver and colorectal carcinogenesis were examined. Results: Dried Thua-nao administration suppressed colorectal aberrant crypt foci. Moreover, dried Thua-nao reduced proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells in the colon. Interestingly, dried Thua-nao modulated the gut microbiota in DEN- and DMH-induced rats. Isoflavones, including genistein and daidzein, represent promising chemopreventive agents in dried Thua-nao. Conclusions: In conclusion, these results highlight the cancer chemopreventive effect of dried Thua-nao in DEN and DMH-induced colorectal carcinogenesis through cell proliferation reduction and gut microbiota modulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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17 pages, 1347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Beneficial Effects of Regular Intake of Lactobacillus paragasseri OLL2716 on Gastric Discomfort in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

by Naruomi Yamada, Kyosuke Kobayashi, Akika Nagira, Takayuki Toshimitsu, Asako Sato, Hiroshi Kano and Kenichi Hojo

Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3188; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183188 - 20 Sep 2024

Viewed by 886

Abstract

We investigated the effects of Lactobacillus paragasseri OLL2716 on gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults with gastric complaints. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 174 healthy Japanese adults were randomly assigned to an OLL2716 or placebo group, and each group consumed 85 g of [...] Read more.

We investigated the effects of Lactobacillus paragasseri OLL2716 on gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults with gastric complaints. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 174 healthy Japanese adults were randomly assigned to an OLL2716 or placebo group, and each group consumed 85 g of yogurt containing L. paragasseri OLL2716 or placebo yogurt daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in gastric symptoms from baseline as per the participants’ questionnaires at 6 and 12 weeks. The secondary endpoints were changes from baseline in the short-form Nepean Dyspepsia Index (SF-NDI), the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire-Japanese (CNAQ-J) scores at 6 and 12 weeks. The primary endpoint data showed that the changes in “epigastric pain” at 6 and 12 weeks were significantly decreased in the OLL2716 group compared with those in the placebo group. Additionally, the changes in “epigastric pain syndrome-like symptoms” were significantly decreased in the OLL2716 group compared with those in the placebo group at 6 weeks. The SF-NDI items that improved at 6 weeks were “irritable, tense, or frustrated”, “enjoyment of eating or drinking”, and “tension”, which are sub-scales related to mental stress. The items “Over-all” in the GSRS and “feeling hungry” in the CNAQ-J significantly improved in the OLL2716 group compared with the placebo group at 12 weeks. The results suggest that regular intake of L. paragasseri OLL2716 may improve both gastric discomfort and mental stress in healthy adults with gastric complaints, such as postprandial fullness or early satiety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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20 pages, 4362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Persimmon Fiber-Rich Ingredients Promote Anti-Inflammatory Responses and the Growth of Beneficial Anti-Inflammatory Firmicutes Species from the Human Colon

by Lucía López-Bermudo, Bryan Moreno-Chamba, Julio Salazar-Bermeo, Nicholas J. Hayward, Amanda Morris, Gary J. Duncan, Wendy R. Russell, Antonio Cárdenas, Ángeles Ortega, Blanca Escudero-López, Genoveva Berná, Nuria Martí Bruña, Sylvia H. Duncan, Madalina Neacsu and Franz Martin

Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2518; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152518 - 1 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1686

Abstract

Persimmon fruit processing-derived waste and by-products, such as peels and pomace, are important sources of dietary fiber and phytochemicals. Revalorizing these by-products could help promote circular nutrition and agricultural sustainability while tackling dietary deficiencies and chronic diseases. In this study, fiber-rich fractions were [...] Read more.

Persimmon fruit processing-derived waste and by-products, such as peels and pomace, are important sources of dietary fiber and phytochemicals. Revalorizing these by-products could help promote circular nutrition and agricultural sustainability while tackling dietary deficiencies and chronic diseases. In this study, fiber-rich fractions were prepared from the by-products of Sharoni and Brilliant Red persimmon varieties. These fractions were quantified for their phenolic composition and assessed for their ability to promote the growth of beneficial human colonic Firmicutes species and for their in vitro anti-inflammatory potential. Gallic and protocatechuic acids, delphinidin, and cyanidin were the main phenolics identified. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii strains showed significantly higher growth rates in the presence of the Brilliant Red fraction, generating more than double butyrate as a proportion of the total short-chain fatty acids (39.5% vs. 17.8%) when compared to glucose. The fiber-rich fractions significantly decreased the inflammatory effect of interleukin-1β in Caco-2 cells, and the fermented fractions (both from Sharoni and Brilliant Red) significantly decreased the inflammatory effect of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the RAW 264.7 cells. Therefore, fiber-rich fractions from persimmon by-products could be part of nutritional therapies as they reduce systemic inflammation, promote the growth of beneficial human gut bacteria, and increase the production of beneficial microbial metabolites such as butyrate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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16 pages, 972 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Intake of Bifidobacteria and Dietary Fiber on Resting Energy Expenditure: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Comparison Study

by Yuhei Baba, Naoki Azuma, Yasuo Saito, Kazuma Takahashi, Risa Matsui and Tsuyoshi Takara

Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2345; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142345 - 20 Jul 2024

Viewed by 2729

Abstract

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 in combination with inulin has been shown to have several health benefits, including an improvement in the intestinal microbiota and a reduction in human visceral fat. Previous studies have suggested that the visceral fat reduction of GCL2505 and inulin [...] Read more.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 in combination with inulin has been shown to have several health benefits, including an improvement in the intestinal microbiota and a reduction in human visceral fat. Previous studies have suggested that the visceral fat reduction of GCL2505 and inulin may be achieved by improving daily energy expenditure. This parallel, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study was conducted to evaluate the effects of GCL2505 and inulin on resting energy expenditure (REE) in overweight or mildly obese Japanese adults (n = 44). Participants ingested 1 × 10¹⁰ colony forming units of GCL2505 and 5.0 g of inulin daily for 4 weeks. REE score at week 4 was set as the primary endpoint. At week 4, the REE score of the GCL2505 and inulin group was significantly higher than that of the placebo group, with a difference of 84.4 kcal/day. In addition, fecal bifidobacteria counts were significantly increased in the GCL2505 and inulin group. Our results indicated that the intake of GCL2505 and inulin improves energy balance, which is known to be a major factor of obesity, by modulating the microbiota in the gut. This is the first report to demonstrate the effects of probiotics and dietary fiber on REE in humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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17 pages, 10705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii Supplementation Prevents Intestinal Barrier Injury and Gut Microflora Dysbiosis Induced by Sleep Deprivation

by Xintong Wang, Yixuan Li, Xifan Wang, Ran Wang, Yanling Hao, Fazheng Ren, Pengjie Wang and Bing Fang

Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081100 - 9 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2180

Abstract

Sleep deprivation (SD) leads to impaired intestinal barrier function and intestinal flora disorder, especially a reduction in the abundance of the next generation of probiotic Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii). However, it remains largely unclear whether F. prausnitzii can ameliorate SD-induced intestinal [...] Read more.

Sleep deprivation (SD) leads to impaired intestinal barrier function and intestinal flora disorder, especially a reduction in the abundance of the next generation of probiotic Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii). However, it remains largely unclear whether F. prausnitzii can ameliorate SD-induced intestinal barrier damage. A 72 h SD mouse model was used in this research, with or without the addition of F. prausnitzii. The findings indicated that pre-colonization with F. prausnitzii could protect against tissue damage from SD, enhance goblet cell count and MUC2 levels in the colon, boost tight-junction protein expression, decrease macrophage infiltration, suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and reduce apoptosis. We found that the presence of F. prausnitzii helped to balance the gut microbiota in SD mice by reducing harmful bacteria like Klebsiella and Staphylococcus, while increasing beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia. Ion chromatography analysis revealed that F. prausnitzii pretreatment increased the fecal butyrate level in SD mice. Overall, these results suggested that incorporating F. prausnitzii could help reduce gut damage caused by SD, potentially by enhancing the intestinal barrier and balancing gut microflora. This provides a foundation for utilizing probiotics to protect against intestinal illnesses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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14 pages, 2046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strain Shirota on Daytime Performance in Healthy Office Workers: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Crossover, Placebo-Controlled Trial

by Hiroko Kikuchi-Hayakawa, Hiroshi Ishikawa, Kazunori Suda, Yusuke Gondo, Genki Hirasawa, Hayato Nakamura, Mai Takada, Mitsuhisa Kawai and Kazunori Matsuda

Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5119; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245119 - 15 Dec 2023

Viewed by 3124

Abstract

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS) modulates psychological homeostasis via the gut–brain axis. To explore the possible efficacy of LcS for improving daytime performance, we conducted a double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study of 12 healthy office workers with sleep complaints. The participants received fermented [...] Read more.

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS) modulates psychological homeostasis via the gut–brain axis. To explore the possible efficacy of LcS for improving daytime performance, we conducted a double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study of 12 healthy office workers with sleep complaints. The participants received fermented milk containing viable LcS (daily intake of 1 × 10¹¹ colony-forming units) and non-fermented placebo milk, each for a 4-week period. In the last week of each period, the participants underwent assessments of their subjective mood and measurements of physiological state indicators via an electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate variability in the morning and afternoon. The attention score in the afternoon as assessed by the visual analog scale was higher in the LcS intake period than in the placebo intake period (p = 0.041). Theta power on EEG measured at rest or during an auditory oddball task in the afternoon was significantly lower in the LcS period than in the placebo period (p = 0.025 and 0.009, respectively). The change rate of theta power was associated with the change in attention score. Treatment-associated changes were also observed in heart rate and the sympathetic nerve activity index. These results indicate that LcS has possible efficacy for improving daytime performance, supported by observations of the related physiological state indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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17 pages, 1038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Continuous Ingestion of Bifidobacteria and Inulin on Reducing Body Fat: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Comparison Study

by Yuhei Baba, Yasuo Saito, Mei Kadowaki, Naoki Azuma and Daisuke Tsuge

Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5025; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245025 - 7 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3437

Abstract

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 has been shown to have several positive health effects, including improved defecation frequency and reduced visceral fat. It is known that combined intake of GCL2505 and inulin increases the total number of bifidobacteria compared with ingestion of GCL2505 [...] Read more.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 has been shown to have several positive health effects, including improved defecation frequency and reduced visceral fat. It is known that combined intake of GCL2505 and inulin increases the total number of bifidobacteria compared with ingestion of GCL2505 alone. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted to confirm that consumption of GCL2505 and inulin reduces abdominal fat (n = 120). Participants consumed a test beverage containing 1 × 10¹⁰ colony-forming units of GCL2505 per 100 g and 2.0 g of inulin per 100 g for 12 weeks. A change in the visceral fat area (VFA) was set as the primary endpoint. There were significant reductions in VFA and total fat area. The intervention significantly increased the total number of bifidobacteria and affected the levels of several lipid markers. Regression analysis of bifidobacteria and measured parameters showed that total bifidobacteria correlated with VFA and body mass index (BMI), while endogenous bifidobacteria and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis correlated only with BMI, suggesting that increases in both contributed to the decrease in VFA. These results suggest that combined intake of GCL2505 and inulin improves the intestinal environment and reduces abdominal fat in association with the SCFA-mediated pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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17 pages, 809 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Continuous Ingestion of Bifidobacteria and Dietary Fiber on Improvement in Cognitive Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

by Naoki Azuma, Takashi Mawatari, Yasuo Saito, Masashi Tsukamoto, Masatoshi Sampei and Yoshitaka Iwama

Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4175; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194175 - 27 Sep 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4300

Abstract

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 has been shown to have some positive effects on health, including improved defecation frequency and reduced visceral fat. These effects are thought to be due to GCL2505′s unique ability to reach the intestine in a viable form and proliferate [...] Read more.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 has been shown to have some positive effects on health, including improved defecation frequency and reduced visceral fat. These effects are thought to be due to GCL2505′s unique ability to reach the intestine in a viable form and proliferate after a single intake. This leads to an increased number of intestinal bifidobacteria. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted to confirm that intake of GCL2505 and inulin (a prebiotic) improve cognitive function (n = 80). Participants consumed test drinks containing 1 × 10¹⁰ colony-forming units of GCL2505 per 100 g and 2.0 g of inulin per 100 g for 12 weeks. The change in cognitive function assessment scores was set as the primary endpoint. There were significant improvements in scores in the neurocognitive index domain, which is an assessment of overall cognitive function, in addition to overall attention, cognitive flexibility, and executive function domains. The intervention significantly increased the number of fecal bifidobacteria and affected the levels of several inflammatory markers. These results suggest that intake of GCL2505 and inulin improves cognitive function by improving the intestinal environment and alleviating inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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16 pages, 3098 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glucosinolates Extracts from Brassica juncea Ameliorate HFD-Induced Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

by Ming-Jen Sheu, Mei-Chen Yeh, Ming-Chang Tsai, Chi-Chih Wang, Yen-Ling Chang, Chau-Jong Wang and Hui-Pei Huang

Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3497; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163497 - 8 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1907

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is mainly characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. It spans a spectrum of diseases from hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Brassica juncea is rich in glucosinolates and has been [...] Read more.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is mainly characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. It spans a spectrum of diseases from hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Brassica juncea is rich in glucosinolates and has been proven to possess many potential pharmacological properties, including hypoglycemic, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic activities. This study aims to investigate whether whole-plant Brassica juncea (WBJ) and its glucosinolates extracts (BGE) have hepatoprotective effects against a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD and further explore the mechanism underlying this process in vivo and in vitro. WBJ treatment significantly reduced body fat, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, liver injury, and inflammation; WBJ treatment also reversed the antioxidant enzyme activity to attenuate oxidative stress in HFD-fed rat liver. Moreover, WBJ and BGE enhanced the activation of AMPK to reduce SREBPs, fatty acid synthase, and HMG-CoA reductase but increased the expression of CPT-I and PPARα to improve hepatic steatosis. In addition, WBJ and BGE could ameliorate NAFLD by inhibiting TNF-α and NF-κB. Based on the above results, this study demonstrates that WBJ and BGE ameliorate HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and liver injury. Therefore, these treatments could represent an unprecedented hope toward improved strategies for NAFLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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12 pages, 917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Nonfood Pre- or Probiotic Use and Cognitive Function: Results from NHANES 2011–2014

by Jingyi Chen, Nian Yang, Yilei Peng, Honghao Zhou and Qing Li

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3408; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153408 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3063

Abstract

In this study, we collected data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2011–2014. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were used to analyse the association between nonfood pro- or prebiotic use and cognitive function among elderly Americans. [...] Read more.

In this study, we collected data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2011–2014. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were used to analyse the association between nonfood pro- or prebiotic use and cognitive function among elderly Americans. To estimate the potential unobserved results, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to analyse the causal effect. Nonfood pro- or prebiotic use was analysed through the Dietary Supplement Use 30-Day Study. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD), and a composite Z-score calculated by summing the Z-scores of three tests. Male participants who used nonfood pro- or prebiotics tended to have higher comprehensive cognitive function (sum.z) with a β-coefficient of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.08–1.19). Probiotics or prebiotics may be a protective factor against cognitive impairment in males, with an odds ratio of 0.08 (95% CI: 0.02–0.29). Furthermore, the average treatment effect for the treated (ATT) with nonfood pro- or prebiotics (0.555) on sum.z in males was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Our research revealed that nonfood pre- or probiotic use was an effective method to improve cognitive function in elderly men from the USA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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15 pages, 3694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Usefulness of Resistant Maltodextrin and Chitosan Oligosaccharide in Management of Gut Leakage and Microbiota in Chronic Kidney Disease

by Weerapat Anegkamol, Panumas Kamkang, Sittiphong Hunthai, Maroot Kaewwongse, Mana Taweevisit, Natthaya Chuaypen, Pakkapon Rattanachaisit and Thasinas Dissayabutra

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3363; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153363 - 28 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1968

Abstract

Microbiota-dysbiosis-induced gut leakage is a pathophysiologic change in chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to the production of several uremic toxins and their absorption into the bloodstream to worsen the renal complications. We evaluate the benefits of resistant maltodextrin (RMD) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) [...] Read more.

Microbiota-dysbiosis-induced gut leakage is a pathophysiologic change in chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to the production of several uremic toxins and their absorption into the bloodstream to worsen the renal complications. We evaluate the benefits of resistant maltodextrin (RMD) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) supplements in cell culture and CKD-induced rats. The RMD exerted a significant anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and intestinal occludin and zonula occluden-1 up-regulation in CKD rats compared with inulin and COS. While all prebiotics slightly improved gut dysbiosis, RMD remarkably promoted the relative abundance and the combined abundance of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Akkermansia, and Roseburia in CKD rats. Supplements of RMD should be advantageous in the treatment of gut leakage and microbiota dysbiosis in CKD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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Review

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35 pages, 3595 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Bioactive Molecules from Probiotics on Child Health: A Comprehensive Review

by Linda P. Guamán, Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco, Johana Zúñiga-Miranda, Enrique Teran, Cesar Erazo and Carlos Barba-Ostria

Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3706; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213706 - 30 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1455

Abstract

Background: This review investigates the impact of bioactive molecules produced by probiotics on child health, focusing on their roles in modulating gut microbiota, enhancing immune function, and supporting overall development. Key metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bacteriocins, exopolysaccharides (EPSs), vitamins, and [...] Read more.

Background: This review investigates the impact of bioactive molecules produced by probiotics on child health, focusing on their roles in modulating gut microbiota, enhancing immune function, and supporting overall development. Key metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bacteriocins, exopolysaccharides (EPSs), vitamins, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), are highlighted for their ability to maintain gut health, regulate inflammation, and support neurodevelopment. Objectives: The aim of this review is to examine the mechanisms of action and clinical evidence supporting the use of probiotics and postbiotics in pediatric healthcare, with a focus on promoting optimal growth, development, and overall health in children. Methods: The review synthesizes findings from clinical studies that investigate the effects of probiotics and their metabolites on pediatric health. The focus is on specific probiotics and their ability to influence gut health, immune responses, and developmental outcomes. Results: Clinical studies demonstrate that specific probiotics and their metabolites can reduce gastrointestinal disorders, enhance immune responses, and decrease the incidence of allergies and respiratory infections in pediatric populations. Additionally, postbiotics—bioactive compounds from probiotic fermentation—offer promising benefits, such as improved gut barrier function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced nutrient absorption, while presenting fewer safety concerns compared to live probiotics. Conclusions: By examining the mechanisms of action and clinical evidence, this review underscores the potential of integrating probiotics and postbiotics into pediatric healthcare strategies to promote optimal growth, development, and overall health in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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15 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessReview

Probiotics in Infancy and Childhood for Food Allergy Prevention and Treatment

by Margherita Di Costanzo, Adriana Vella, Claudia Infantino, Riccardo Morini, Simone Bruni, Susanna Esposito and Giacomo Biasucci

Nutrients 2024, 16(2), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020297 - 18 Jan 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3642

Abstract

Food allergy represents a failure of oral tolerance mechanisms to dietary antigens. Over the past few years, food allergies have become a growing public health problem worldwide. Gut microbiota is believed to have a significant impact on oral tolerance to food antigens and [...] Read more.

Food allergy represents a failure of oral tolerance mechanisms to dietary antigens. Over the past few years, food allergies have become a growing public health problem worldwide. Gut microbiota is believed to have a significant impact on oral tolerance to food antigens and in initiation and maintenance of food allergies. Therefore, probiotics have also been proposed in this field as a possible strategy for modulating both the gut microbiota and the immune system. In recent years, results from preclinical and clinical studies suggest a promising role for probiotics in food allergy prevention and treatment. However, future studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms of action of probiotics in food allergies and to design comparable study protocols using specific probiotic strains, defined doses and exposure times, and longer follow-up periods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health)

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