Lactobacillus-produced exopolysaccharides and their potential health benefits: a review

D A Patten, A P Laws

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria, such as those of the Lactobacillus genus, naturally reside within the microbiota of the human body and have long been used as starter cultures and probiotic enhancers in fermented foods, such as fermented drinks, yoghurts and cheeses. Many of the beneficial qualities of these bacteria have traditionally been associated with the bacteria themselves, however, a recent spate of studies have demonstrated a wide variety of biological effects exhibited by lactobacilli-produced exopolysaccharides which could, theoretically, confer a range of local and systemic health benefits upon the host. In this review, we discuss the production of exopolysaccharides within the Lactobacillus genus and explore their potential as beneficial bioactive compounds.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)457-71
Number of pages15
JournalBeneficial microbes
Volume6
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lactobacillus-produced exopolysaccharides and their potential health benefits: a review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this