This research shows that 2′-fucosyllactose, a natural compound found in breast milk, can significantly improve gut health in older mice. The treatment strengthened the intestinal barrier, reduced harmful inflammation, and increased beneficial bacteria populations. These findings suggest that 2′-FL could be developed as a food supplement to help older people maintain better digestive and immune health.
Researchers isolated and studied a polysaccharide compound from oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus abieticola) called PAPS1. When tested in mice treated with a chemotherapy drug that suppresses immunity, PAPS1 helped restore immune function by reducing harmful reactive oxygen species and boosting beneficial gut bacteria. This suggests that mushroom polysaccharides could potentially be used to help cancer patients manage the immunosuppressive side effects of chemotherapy.
Poria cocos is a medicinal mushroom commonly used in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. This study found that its polysaccharides act as prebiotics by feeding beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium while reducing harmful bacteria. The fermentation produces beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids that support digestive health and may help prevent diseases like obesity and inflammation.
Researchers developed a new method to break down a large mushroom polysaccharide from golden needle mushroom plant residues into smaller, more useful molecules. The smaller version works better as an antioxidant and helps feed beneficial gut bacteria, producing beneficial compounds that support digestive health. This discovery could lead to new functional food products and health supplements using mushroom waste that would otherwise be discarded.
This research collection shows how what we eat significantly impacts our metabolic health and ability to prevent diseases. Key findings include that eating more vegetables helps prevent metabolic syndrome in older adults, and certain dietary patterns combined with regular exercise reduce disease risk in young adults. The research also highlights the benefits of natural compounds like inulin and royal jelly for managing metabolic disorders, while emphasizing the importance of personalized nutrition approaches for rare conditions.
This study tests whether Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, a traditional Chinese medicine supplement, can help reduce fatigue in lung cancer patients taking the drug Osimertinib. Fatigue is a major side effect that affects most patients on this medication. The 140-patient trial compares patients receiving the supplement plus Osimertinib with those receiving a placebo plus Osimertinib, measuring fatigue levels and quality of life over 8 weeks.
This study found that eating more foods rich in live microbes—like fermented products (yogurt, kimchi) and fresh fruits and vegetables—is associated with lower rates of Parkinson’s disease in American adults. The protective effect was strongest in people without obesity. The live microbes appear to work by maintaining a healthy gut environment, reducing inflammation, and protecting nerve cells from damage. This suggests that regular consumption of microbe-rich foods from nature might be a simple, inexpensive way to help prevent or slow Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers studied whether fermented red mold rice could improve gut health in rats by examining changes in beneficial bacteria. The study found that red mold rice and its active compounds increased helpful bacteria like Akkermansia mucinophila without causing any harmful effects. These beneficial bacteria may support better digestion, metabolism, and overall health, suggesting fermented red mold rice could be useful as a functional food for maintaining a healthy gut.
This study examined how grape pomace dietary fiber and its bound polyphenols are broken down in the digestive system and colon. Researchers found that soluble fiber was particularly effective at releasing beneficial compounds that feed healthy gut bacteria and produce short-chain fatty acids important for health. The fiber types promoted beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium while reducing harmful bacteria, suggesting grape pomace could be a valuable ingredient in functional foods to support digestive and overall health.
Seaweed and other algae contain special fibers called polysaccharides that act like fertilizer for beneficial bacteria in your gut. When these good bacteria ferment these algal fibers, they produce substances called short-chain fatty acids that support digestive health, boost immunity, and help control blood sugar and weight. These algae-based fibers are sustainable alternatives to synthetic prebiotics and can be added to foods and supplements.