Abstract
The human gut microbiota is inhabited by approximately 1013 to 1014 microorganisms, which can be divided into four main phyla, that is, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. The diet is considered to play a key role in the composition and diversity of gut microbiota. The change in food habits and dietary components, including probiotics and prebiotics, can help to regulating the gut microbiota. Probiotics are intended to follow the different mechanisms of action, such as prevention of pathogen adhesion or colonization, metabolites production (ranging from proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, enzymes, oligosaccharides, exopolysaccharides, short-chain fatty acids and bacteriocins), and production of immunomodulatory compounds. This chapter focuses on the types of microorganisms forming the gut microbiota implicated in the production of bioactive metabolites and their action mechanism of action linked to health benefits and supplementation in food products.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
