Probiotics: Mechanism of Action, Attributes in the Human Body, Forms in Food and Safety Assessment

Abstract

Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits, have attracted significant attention. Recent advances have demonstrated their effectiveness in inhibiting intestinal pathogens, boosting immune responses, improving oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes, and promoting oral health. Probiotic applications have also expanded into various food forms, such as fermented foods, dairy food, meat food, and so on. Despite these advancements, gaps remain in understanding the safety and efficacy of probiotics. This article delved into the health benefits of probiotics in the human body, and their uses in food. It further evaluated the safety aspects, highlighting the need to address these concerns. This study was noteworthy as it examined methods to improve the efficacy of probiotics in medicine and food applications. With the growing demand for probiotics, it is crucial to ensure their stability and safety. This research provides important insights into improving the integration of probiotics in various products, paving the way for enhanced health benefits and advancements in product development. However, the study has limitations, including a lack of long-term probiotic-host microbiota interaction analysis and insufficient coverage of probiotic regulations. Future research should focus on long-term effects and safety protocols to maximize health benefits and ensure safety.