Analysis of Health Benefits Conferred by Lactobacillus Species from Kefir
- 2019-06-01
- Nutrients 11(6)
- Conor Slattery
- P. Cotter
- Paul W. O’Toole
- PubMed: 31159409
- DOI: 10.3390/nu11061252
Abstract
Lactobacilli are among the most common microorganisms found in kefir; a traditional fermented milk beverage produced locally in many locations around the world. Kefir has been associated with a wide range of purported health benefits; such as antimicrobial activity; cholesterol metabolism; immunomodulation; anti-oxidative effects; anti-diabetic effects; anti-allergenic effects; and tumor suppression. This review critically examines and assesses these claimed benefits and mechanisms with regard to particular Lactobacillus species and/or strains that have been derived from kefir; as well as detailing further potential avenues for experimentation.
Keywords: Lactobacillus; kefir; kefiranofaciens; kefiri; plantarum; probiotic.
Research Insights
| Supplement | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus kefir | Enhanced Antimicrobial Resistance | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefir | Enhanced Antioxidant Defense | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefir | Improved Cholesterol Metabolism | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefir | Improved Immunomodulation | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefir | Improved Insulin Sensitivity | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefir | Reduced Th2 Reactions | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefir | Suppressed Tumor Growth | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefiri | Enhanced Antimicrobial Resistance | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefiri | Improved Anti-Oxidative Effects | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefiri | Improved Cholesterol Metabolism | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefiri | Improved Immunomodulation | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefiri | Reduced Blood Glucose Levels | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefiri | Reduced Th2 Reactions | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus kefiri | Suppressed Tumor Growth | Beneficial | Moderate |