Kefir and Intestinal Microbiota Modulation: Implications in Human Health

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nutrition Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic non-communicable diseases are increasing globally, with gut microbiota alterations implicated in their development.
• Fermented foods like kefir possess probiotic properties and can modulate gut microbiota.
• Kefir is gaining popularity as a natural beverage with potential health benefits, particularly relevant for disease prevention in Latin America.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential health benefits of kefir in preventing and managing chronic non-communicable diseases.
• To explore the mechanisms by which kefir, through gut microbiota modulation, may impact metabolic, inflammatory, and neurological disorders.
• To highlight kefir as a promising, accessible strategy for disease prevention worldwide, especially in Latin America.

Main Methods:

• This is a narrative review.
• Literature search on kefir, gut microbiota, and chronic non-communicable diseases.
• Discussion of bioactive compounds in kefir and their proposed mechanisms of action.

Main Results:

• Kefir consumption may help prevent and manage obesity, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological disorders.
• Bioactive compounds in kefir can modulate gut microbiota, reduce inflammation, and improve intestinal permeability.
• Kefir influences gut-brain axis regulation and organism homeostasis.

Conclusions:

• Kefir's bioactive compounds and gut microbiota-modulating capacity offer a promising avenue for preventing and managing microbiota-related diseases.
• Its low cost and ease of preparation make kefir a viable public health strategy, especially in resource-limited settings.
• Further research is needed to standardize kefir's bioactive compounds and fully elucidate its mechanisms of action.