Postbiotics: new generation of probiotics and safe alternative in food and pharmaceutical industries

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESSince probiotics promote digestive health and regulate microorganisms, they have become widely available to the public in the form of supplements and probiotic products. Despite their widespread use, concerns exist regarding the potential side effects of consuming live bacteria, especially in individuals with underlying conditions. The identification of certain non-living metabolites derived from probiotics, known as postbiotics, has revolutionized the food and pharmaceutical industries. This review study examines postbiotics and their health-promoting effects in the food and pharmaceutical industries.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn this study, several articles and research papers on the application of postbiotics in the food and pharmaceutical industries were reviewed using databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and SID.RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONIn a study measuring the amount of probiotics and postbiotics in a probiotic food product, it was found that the number of non-living cells exceeded the number of live cells. Consequently, it was determined that the health effects of probiotic products are more influenced by postbiotics. Another study conducted on a group of children aged ۱۲ to ۴۸ months showed that daily consumption of postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus paracasei led to a reduction in the occurrence of diarrhea, acute gastroenteritis, and pharyngitis inflammation. In another study, it was observed that propionate derived from Propionibacterium freudenreichii increased apoptosis in cancer cells. Postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus were found to inhibit colon cancer. Clinical evidence obtained in a study showed that postbiotics, including butyrate, play a significant role in reducing food allergies. Furthermore, a study conducted on children with lactose intolerance revealed a significant correlation between the reduction of symptoms and the consumption of postbiotics.CONCLUSIONPostbiotics can be a good alternative in the treatment and prevention of diseases and the production of beneficial foods. Compared to probiotics, they are more cost-effective, have better stability, and are clinically safer. The identification of new postbiotics and their incorporation into industries in a way that preserves their health-promoting properties, as well as determining the appropriate dosage in pharmaceutical supplements, requires further extensive research.

کلیدواژه ها:

Postbiotics ، Beneficial Foods ، Probiotics ، Biological Activity ، Health Effect