Foods with Live Microbes: A Boon for Health, But More Research Needed.
Live dietary microbes, found in foods like yogurt and kimchi, show promising health benefits, according to a comprehensive review of scientific research. While gaps in knowledge remain, the study points towards the need for further investigation in this exciting field.
Positive Outcomes Outweigh Negative:
Analyzing 282 studies with nearly 300,000 participants, researchers assessed the impact of consuming live dietary microbes on health. Here’s what they found:
- Metabolically active microbes (e.g., yogurt, kimchi): 66 of studies reported positive outcomes, 56 neutral, and only 4 negative.
- Freeze-dried microbes (inactive): 90 of studies showed positive outcomes, 60 neutral, and 2 negative.
- Probiotics: 141 of studies reported positive effects, 104 neutral, and 6 negative.
Across different health areas:
- Gastrointestinal health: 71 studies with 52% positive outcomes, highlighting potential benefits for digestion and gut health.
- Immunological health: 69 studies with 59% positive outcomes, suggesting microbes may boost the immune system.
- Cardiovascular health and metabolic syndrome: 36 studies with 58% positive outcomes, indicating potential benefits for heart health and managing metabolic conditions.
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: 35 studies with promising results, suggesting microbes may help restore gut balance after antibiotics.
Call for More Research:
While the review highlights the potential of live dietary microbes, the authors emphasize the need for further high-quality research. Specifically, they call for investigations into:
- Maintaining overall health: More studies are needed to understand the role of microbes in general health, beyond specific diseases.
- Urogenital health: Research on the impact of microbes on urinary tract and reproductive health is scarce.
- Weight management: Investigating how microbes influence weight control is crucial.
- Cancer prevention: Exploring the potential role of microbes in preventing cancer development is promising.
A Look Ahead:
This review offers a valuable roadmap for future research on live dietary microbes. By delving deeper into their health benefits and potential applications, we can unlock the full potential of these tiny allies for improving human health and well-being.
Additional Resources:
The paper includes extensive supplementary materials with tables, figures, and references, providing valuable resources for researchers and professionals interested in this field.
More information:
Foods with Live Microbes: A Boon for Health, But More Research Needed. Ajay Iyer et al, The impact of live dietary microbes on health: A scoping review, Journal of Food Science (2024). DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.16893