The Role of Fermented Dairy Products on Gut Microbiota Composition

Abstract

Milk and dairy products are among the most important foods in the human diet. They are natural and culturally accepted and supply the human body with microorganisms that modulate the intestinal microflora. Improper lifestyles, highly processed diets, and certain drugs may contribute to adverse changes in the composition of the gut microflora. These changes may lead to dysbiosis, which is associated with the pathogenesis of many gastrointestinal diseases. This review aims to determine the effect of fermented milk products on the composition of the gut microbiota and their possible support in the treatment of dysbiosis and gastrointestinal diseases. While most research concerns isolated strains of bacteria and their effects on the human body, our research focuses on whole fermented products that contain complex mixtures of bacterial strains.