A review of fermented milks: potential beneficial effects on human nutrition and health

Abstract

Fermented dairy products are formed during the acidification of milk through fermentation by suitable microorganisms; it contains different microorganisms in sufficient numbers and in an active state. A wide range of fermented milk products are produced and consumed around the world, including yogurt, kefir, koumiss, and yogurt beverages. There are various health benefits associated with the consumption of fermented dairy. Many studies reported that some fermented milk products have antimicrobial, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and antihypertensive properties as well as provide benefits on mineral metabo-lism, reduce lactose intolerance symptoms and cholesterol levels. In addition to these effects, it has many other beneficial effects such as positive effects on type 2 diabetes and hypertension, antimutagen and antioxidant effects, and reduction of allergic symptoms. Dairy products including fermented milk are known to be the main carrier of probiotic microorganisms, and many clinical studies show the effects of probiotic strains on health. In this study, the effects of fermented milks on human nutrition and health are mentioned.