Beneficial Bacteria Isolated from Food in Relation to the Next Generation of Probiotics

Recently, probiotics are increasingly being used for human health. So far, only lactic acid bacteria isolated from the human gastrointestinal tract were recommended for human use as probiotics. However, more authors suggest that probiotics can be also isolated from unconventional sources, such as fermented food products of animal and plant origin. Traditional fermented products are a rich source of microorganisms, some of which may have probiotic properties. A novel category of recently isolated microorganisms with great potential of health benefits are next-generation probiotics (NGPs). In this review, general information of some beneficial microbes, including NGPs and acetic acid bacteria, were presented as well as essential mechanisms and microbe host interactions. Many reports showed that NGP selected strains and probiotics from unconventional sources exhibit positive properties when it comes to human health (i.e., they have a positive effect on metabolic, human gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, and immune system diseases). Here we also briefly present the current regulatory framework and requirements that should be followed to introduce new microorganisms for human use. The term probiotic as used herein is not limited to conventional probiotics. Innovation will undoubtedly result in the isolation of potential probiotics from new sources with fascinating new health advantages and hitherto unforeseen functionalities.

Automated summary

The use of probiotics for human health is increasing. Besides lactic acid bacteria isolated from the human gastrointestinal tract, probiotics can also be derived from unconventional sources, such as fermented food products of animal and plant origin. Recent studies have shown the potential health benefits of next-generation probiotics (NGPs), which include strains isolated from unconventional sources. These NGPs have positive effects on various human health aspects, such as metabolic, gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, and immune system diseases.