Postbiotics are a heterogenous group of compounds that may include inactivated bacterial cells or components or metabolic products of bacteria. These substances have been shown to have a wide variety of healthy effects via their anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and metabolic effects. Postbiotics have both direct and indirect effects on the gut microbiome and gut barrier function. They have been studied for gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticulosis. Clinical trials have also been conducted examining the immune effects of postbiotics, as well as their impact on muscle and metabolic function. This article reviews clinical evidence for the use of postbiotics and discusses limitations and directions for future research.
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