Tag: Bacteriocins

Nisin has been recognized as a safe biological food additive by the FAO/WHO expert committee since 1969, and its role in meat preservation has been extensively studied. So, what is nisin in meat products? It is a natural antimicrobial peptide that helps extend the shelf life and improve the safety of various processed meats by inhibiting the growth of specific bacteria.

Naturally found in the oral cavity, intestines, and vaginal tract, *Lactobacillus salivarius* is a key probiotic known for its diverse and powerful functional properties. This lactic acid bacterium contributes to a healthy microbiome balance in several locations within the human body by crowding out harmful microbes and producing beneficial compounds.

Over 85% of the sugar metabolized by certain *Lactobacillus* species is converted to lactic acid through fermentation. These rod-shaped bacteria are central to producing numerous compounds that are vital for both human health and the food industry.

Research shows that probiotics exhibit significant antivirulence properties that help mitigate infectious agents in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital tracts. This powerful effect means that probiotics suppress pathogens through multiple, complex mechanisms, reinforcing the host's natural defenses.

Approximately 20% of antibiotic users experience diarrhea, a side effect of disrupted gut flora. To manage this, many turn to the probiotic *Bacillus clausii*. Despite its robust nature, *Bacillus clausii* is not an antibiotic, but a beneficial bacterium that helps restore the intestinal balance.

Strep throat accounts for up to 30% of sore throat infections in children. For those susceptible to recurrent episodes, modulating the oral microbiome with specific probiotic strains may offer a preventative solution by creating a hostile environment for the pathogenic bacteria responsible.

Probiotics, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits on the host not only through their presence but also by producing a wide array of bioactive compounds. These are biologically active substances that stimulate a response in living tissue, fundamentally influencing human physiology. The metabolic byproducts of these beneficial microorganisms play a crucial role in enhancing gut health, modulating the immune system, and contributing to overall well-being.

Over 100 trillion microorganisms live in the human gut, playing a pivotal role in overall health by producing bioactive compounds. These therapeutic molecules, collectively known as bioactives, are responsible for many of the health benefits associated with probiotics, from aiding digestion to modulating the immune system.