| The results of clinical investigations indicate a significant relationship between lifestyle (especially
diet), an extensive variety of diseases, and consumer health status. In this regard, functional foods can
improve the health status and quality of life of people. Along with increasing consumer awareness and
increasing research in the field of functional probiotic foods, today a new concept (postbiotic) is being
formed to optimize the health effects of probiotics. In this study, in addition to introducing the functional
postbiotic foods, the leading challenges in their industrial production and the need to focus investment for
the development and expansion of this group of foods have been done.
All articles related to the study subject were searched in the Scopus, PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of
Knowledge, and Google Scholar database, and whom that discussed the concept, methods of extraction
and identification as well as biological activity of postbiotics were included in the study.
Postbiotics due to their unique characteristics can be used in the matrix of a wide range of fermented and
non-fermented foods. The fermentation process is one of the most important sources of postbiotics in the
natural form, however, these compounds can be produced in a purer form and with higher functionality
using various laboratory methods that can be used in a wide range of foods to improve nutritional status
and shelf life of foods and health-promotion goals for consumers. Understanding the pharmacokinetic
characteristics of postbiotic compounds and nanocarrier systems is essential to design the best delivery
system as well as to ensure the optimal safety and quality properties of postbiotic (pharmaceutical/food)
products.
The postbiotics as a novel strategy can be used in a wide range of food products to delay corruption,
increase shelf life, and promote functional foods. |