Action and immunomodulatory mechanisms, formulations, and safety concerns of probiotics
Tolulope Joshua Ashaolu, Babett Greff, László Varga
Abstract
The global probiotics market has been continuously growing, driven by consumer demand for immune-enhancing functional foods, dietary supplements, and natural therapeutics for gastrointestinal and gut function-mediated diseases. Probiotic microorganisms represent a diverse group of strains with complex but generalized mechanistic patterns. This review describes the various immunomodulatory mechanisms by which probiotics exert their effects, including the competitive exclusion of pathogenic microbes, production of antimicrobial substances, modulation of the immune system, and improvement of gut barrier function. In addition, the various formulations and methods of delivery of probiotics and the safety concerns associated with these products are also discussed.