French researchers from the Institute Agro evaluated the role of fermented dairy products and lactic cultures in modulating intestinal mucosal immunity.
The gut microbiota significantly influences mucosal immunity and the intestinal barrier. Dysbiosis, or dysbacteriosis, is associated with a violation of the immunological homeostasis of the mucous membrane, which leads to inflammatory bowel diseases. Probiotic bacteria can maintain internal homeostasis to promote health.
Fermented foods are our main source of live and active bacteria. Surprisingly, despite the fact that everyone seems to know about the benefits of fermented milk products for the gut in general and the immune system in particular, scientists actually know little about the effect of fermented dairy products on the intestinal microbiota.
In a new study, experts studied how lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and propionibacteria (PAB) affect intestinal immunity. The results of the study indeed demonstrated the curative capacity of the LAB and PAB strains that develop in milk during the fermentation process.
Remarkably, only certain strains within each species actively contribute to intestinal homeostasis, the scientists found. That is, not all bacteria claimed to be beneficial in advertising actually benefit intestinal immunity. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the complex, multifaceted interactions between bacteria and the gut system, experts still need to screen a large number of strains.