Production Pathways, Health Benefits and Application of Beneficial Metabolites of Bifidobacterium

Probiotics are defined as a group of active microorganisms that are safe, non-pathogenic and beneficial to host health, and Bifidobacterium is one of the most studied intestinal probiotics. In recent years, research on the metabolites and health-promoting mechanisms of Bifidobacterium has attracted attention. This probiotic is able to utilize nutrients through fermentation to produce different types of beneficial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, phenolics, amino acids, and vitamins. A series of complex metabolic processes are involved in the production of these advantageous metabolites, which have a favorable effect on host health and show promise for applications in probiotic preparations and food additives. Bifidobacterium fermented products are progressively being utilized in the development of probiotic drinks, yogurt and functional foods. Therefore, this article briefly describes the production pathways, health benefits and application of beneficial metabolites of Bifidobacterium, aiming to provide a reference for the development and application of Bifidobacterium metabolites in the food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields.