Exopolysaccharides as Important Probiotic Products

Abstract

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms, defined as "live microorganisms which, when administered in a reasonable amount, provide health benefits for the host". Not only the types of bacteria themselves, but also various other factors such as the ability to produce exopolysaccharides, biofilms, etc. significantly affect the positive effect of probiotics. Probiotic bacteria are extremely efficient in the production of biologically active substances – exopolysaccharides. These substances are important for their multilateral effects on the human organism. Significant properties of the exopolysaccharides produced by the lactic acid bacteria include anti-biofilm activity, prebiotic properties and other impacts of these substances on both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria of the digestive tract.