therapeutic action: short-chain fatty acid production

Exploring the Prebiotic Potentials of Hydrolyzed Pectins: Mechanisms of Action and Gut Microbiota Modulation

Pectins are fiber-like compounds found in fruits and vegetables that can benefit gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria. When pectins are broken down into smaller pieces (oligosaccharides), they work better as prebiotics, promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria that produce beneficial substances called short-chain fatty acids. These compounds may help improve digestive health, strengthen immunity, and reduce inflammation.

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Dietary live microbe intake and its association with Parkinson’s disease in American adults: an NHANES analysis (1999–2018)

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.

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Prebiotic and Functional Fibers from Micro- and Macroalgae: Gut Microbiota Modulation, Health Benefits, and Food Applications

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.

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A comprehensive overview of the effects of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on the gut-brain axis

This comprehensive review examines how probiotics (beneficial live bacteria), prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria), and synbiotics (combinations of both) can influence communication between the gut and brain. These interventions can produce beneficial compounds like GABA and serotonin, strengthen the gut barrier, and reduce inflammation, potentially helping with mood, anxiety, cognition, and various digestive disorders. However, effects vary greatly depending on the specific strain used, dosage, and individual differences in gut bacteria, and more large-scale studies are needed to confirm long-term clinical benefits.

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Nanoencapsulation of Biotics: Feasibility to Enhance Stability and Delivery for Improved Gut Health

This review explores how tiny nanoparticles can protect beneficial bacteria and dietary compounds as they travel through the digestive system. These nanotechnologies help probiotics survive stomach acid and reach the intestines where they provide health benefits. The research shows promising results for treating digestive diseases and improving overall gut health through better delivery of microbiota-modulating substances.

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Modulating the gut microbiota is involved in the effect of low-molecular-weight Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on immune function

Researchers studied a natural compound from licorice called Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GP) to see if it could help restore immune function in mice weakened by chemotherapy. GP treatment improved intestinal health, boosted immune cells, and changed the gut bacteria composition to favor beneficial strains. The study shows that GP works partly by modifying which bacteria live in the gut, which then support the immune system. This research suggests GP could be useful as a natural supplement for strengthening immunity and treating intestinal inflammation.

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Insights into the Mechanisms and Functional Effects of Insoluble Dietary Fiber Modification: A Review

Insoluble dietary fiber is important for digestive health but its rigid structure limits its usefulness in processed foods and medicine. Scientists can modify this fiber using various techniques like heating, pressure, enzymes, and chemicals to make it more effective. When combined properly, these modification strategies can dramatically improve dietary fiber’s ability to lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, and promote beneficial gut bacteria, making it valuable for functional foods and health applications.

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Delivery of Phenolic Compounds, Peptides and β-Glucan to the Gastrointestinal Tract by Incorporating Dietary Fibre-Rich Mushrooms into Sorghum Biscuits

This study examined how adding mushroom powder to sorghum biscuits affects the availability of beneficial compounds in our digestive system. Using laboratory simulations of stomach and intestinal digestion, researchers found that mushroom-enriched biscuits released more phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties throughout the digestive tract. Importantly, the mushroom fiber helped carry beneficial β-glucan compounds to the colon, where they can be fermented by gut bacteria to produce health-promoting compounds.

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Effects of Natural Polysaccharides on the Gut Microbiota Related to Human Metabolic Health

Natural plant and organism sugars called polysaccharides can improve your gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria and strengthening your intestinal barrier. These compounds help prevent diseases like obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease by changing the types of bacteria in your gut and producing helpful substances. Polysaccharides come from common foods like mushrooms, seaweed, berries, and vegetables, making them potential natural treatments for various health conditions.

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