Topic Editors

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Research Centre-Vila Real (CQ-VR), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal

Fermented Food: Health and Benefit

Abstract submission deadline
31 October 2025
Manuscript submission deadline
31 December 2025
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4623

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fermented foods represent a reservoir of bioactive compounds formed through the enzymatic conversion of organic substrates by microorganisms. These foods, spanning cultures globally, undergo controlled microbial growth and biochemical reactions, culminating in products rich in probiotics, organic acids, and bioactive peptides. Research underscores the pivotal role of fermented foods in modulating the gut microbiota, fostering a symbiotic relationship between ingested microorganisms and the host's gastrointestinal environment. The resultant microbial diversity and abundance contribute significantly to gastrointestinal health, influencing digestive processes and fortifying the immune system. Furthermore, fermentation confers enhanced bioavailability of essential nutrients, augmenting the nutritional profile of these foods. Such bioconversion processes render fermented foods potent sources of readily absorbable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Scientific inquiry has elucidated the manifold health benefits associated with regular consumption of fermented foods. These include the amelioration of digestive disorders, mitigation of systemic inflammation, and potential attenuation of chronic disease risk factors. In sum, the scientific discourse surrounding fermented foods underscores their multifaceted contributions to human health, underscoring their role as functional foods capable of synergistically supporting physiological well-being. Embracing these dietary staples resonates with evidence-based nutritional strategies aimed at fostering holistic health and disease prevention. This Topic will host diverse contributions ranging from research papers to up-to-date reviews dealing with fermented food. It includes but is not limited to the following relevant themes:

  • Health Benefits of Fermented Foods;
  • Nutritional Content of Fermented Foods;
  • Microbial Communities within Fermented Food;
  • Fermentation Techniques and Processes;
  • Probiotics and Fermented Foods;
  • Fermented Foods and Digestive Health and Immune Function;
  • Fermented Foods in Traditional Diets;
  • Safety and Quality of Fermented Foods;
  • Yeast and its Role within Fermented Food;
  • Genetic Modification and its Role within Fermentation Processes.

Dr. Niel Van Wyk
Dr. Alice Vilela
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • fermented foods
  • probiotics
  • health and immune function
  • fermentation techniques

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Applied Microbiology
applmicrobiol
- - 2021 16.3 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Fermentation
fermentation
3.3 3.8 2015 15.7 Days CHF 2100 Submit
Foods
foods
4.7 7.4 2012 14.3 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Microbiology Research
microbiolres
2.1 1.9 2010 16.7 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Microorganisms
microorganisms
4.1 7.4 2013 13.4 Days CHF 2700 Submit

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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18 pages, 3515 KiB  
Article
Identification of Bioactive Substances Derived from the Probiotic-Induced Bioconversion of Lagerstroemia speciosa Pers. Leaf Extract That Have Beneficial Effects on Diabetes and Obesity
by Byung Chull An, Sang Hee Kwak, Jun Young Ahn, Hye Yeon Won, Tae Hoon Kim, Yongku Ryu and Myung Jun Chung
Microorganisms 2024, 12(9), 1848; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091848 - 6 Sep 2024
Viewed by 272
Abstract
Lagerstroemia speciosa L. (Banaba) has been used as a functional food because of its diuretic, decongestant, antipyretic, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-adipogenic activities. Triterpene acids, including corosolic acid, oleanolic acid, and asiatic acid, are the principal phytochemicals in Banaba and are potentially anti-diabetic substances, owing [...] Read more.
Lagerstroemia speciosa L. (Banaba) has been used as a functional food because of its diuretic, decongestant, antipyretic, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-adipogenic activities. Triterpene acids, including corosolic acid, oleanolic acid, and asiatic acid, are the principal phytochemicals in Banaba and are potentially anti-diabetic substances, owing to their effect on blood glucose concentration. Bioconversion of Banaba leaf extract (BLE) by Lactobacillus plantarum CBT-LP3 improved the glucose uptake, insulin secretion, and fat browning of this functional food. Furthermore, we identified asiatic acid, which was found to be increased by 3.8-fold during the L. plantarum CBT-LP3-mediated bioconversion process using metabolite profiling. Most previous studies have focused on corosolic acid, another triterpene acid that is a known anti-diabetic compound and is used to standardize BLE preparations. However, asiatic acid is the second most common of the triterpene acids and is also well known to have anti-diabetic properties. The present study has provided strong evidence that asiatic acid represents an alternative to corosolic acid as the most important active compound. These results suggest that the probiotic-mediated bioconversion of BLE may improve the anti-diabetic effects of this functional food. This implies that the consumption of a probiotic should be encouraged for people undergoing BLE treatment to improve its anti-diabetic effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Fermented Food: Health and Benefit)
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11 pages, 484 KiB  
Article
Artisanal Cream Cheese Fermented with Kefir Grains
by Denise Rossi Freitas, Eliana Setsuko Kamimura and Mônica Roberta Mazalli
Fermentation 2024, 10(8), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10080420 - 13 Aug 2024
Viewed by 624
Abstract
This is the first study that investigates the effect of kefir with an emphasis on the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) during the fermentation process in food products. The products developed and characterized were an artisanal cream cheese without cream and one [...] Read more.
This is the first study that investigates the effect of kefir with an emphasis on the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) during the fermentation process in food products. The products developed and characterized were an artisanal cream cheese without cream and one with added cream, and for the analysis of the fatty acid profile, both cream cheeses were compared with commercial cream cheese. The artisanal cream cheese had a high amount of lactic acid bacteria characterizing the product formed by Lactobacilli and a low concentration of lactose due to the fermentation process. Compared to commercial cream cheese, our products without and with added cream had a higher concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyric acid, which is important for the health of the gastrointestinal tract, omega 3, and oleic fatty acid, which has been associated with the prevention and control of some diseases. Overall, the artisanal cream cheese cream with fermented cream with kefir grains is a functional product with an innovative character compared to current products on the market and was well accepted by the younger public. This new product comes as an option for those who need to change their eating habits and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Fermented Food: Health and Benefit)
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28 pages, 2877 KiB  
Article
Solid-State Fermentation of Quinoa Flour: An In-Depth Analysis of Ingredient Characteristics
by Ophélie Gautheron, Laura Nyhan, Arianna Ressa, Maria Garcia Torreiro, Ali Zein Alabiden Tlais, Claudia Cappello, Marco Gobbetti, Andreas Klaus Hammer, Emanuele Zannini, Elke K. Arendt and Aylin W. Sahin
Fermentation 2024, 10(7), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10070360 - 16 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1186
Abstract
Plant protein ingredients are gaining attention for human nutrition, yet they differ significantly from animal proteins in functionality and nutrition. Fungal solid-state fermentation (SSF) can modulate the composition and functionality, increasing their applicability in foods. Quinoa flour (QF) served as a substrate for [...] Read more.
Plant protein ingredients are gaining attention for human nutrition, yet they differ significantly from animal proteins in functionality and nutrition. Fungal solid-state fermentation (SSF) can modulate the composition and functionality, increasing their applicability in foods. Quinoa flour (QF) served as a substrate for Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oligosporus, resulting in two fermented ingredients (QFA and QFR) with different nutritional, functional, and aroma characteristics. A higher increase in protein (+35%) and nitrogen (+24%) was observed in the QFA, while fat was predominantly increased in the QFR (+78%). Fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) decreased in the QFR but increased in the QFA due to polyol production. Metabolomic analysis revealed higher lactic acid concentrations in the QFA, and higher citric, malic, and fumaric acid contents in the QFR. The SSF reduced most antinutrients, while R. oligosporus produced saponins. Olfactometry showed the development of fruity ester compounds and a decrease in metallic and cardboard aromas. Both ingredients showed an enhanced water-holding capacity, with the QFA also demonstrating an increased oil-holding capacity. Complex formation increased the particle size, reduced the solubility, and decreased the foaming properties. Mycelium production darkened the ingredients, with the QFR having a higher differential colour index. This study highlights the potential of SSF to produce ingredients with improved nutritional, sensory, and functional properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Fermented Food: Health and Benefit)
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20 pages, 1181 KiB  
Review
Bioactive Peptides Derived from Whey Proteins for Health and Functional Beverages
by Margarita Saubenova, Yelena Oleinikova, Alexander Rapoport, Sviatoslav Maksimovich, Zhanerke Yermekbay and Elana Khamedova
Fermentation 2024, 10(7), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10070359 - 16 Jul 2024
Viewed by 952
Abstract
Milk serves as a crucial source of natural bioactive compounds essential for human nutrition and health. The increased production of high-protein dairy products is a source of whey—a valuable secondary product that, along with other biologically valuable substances, contains significant amounts of whey [...] Read more.
Milk serves as a crucial source of natural bioactive compounds essential for human nutrition and health. The increased production of high-protein dairy products is a source of whey—a valuable secondary product that, along with other biologically valuable substances, contains significant amounts of whey proteins and is often irrationally used or not utilized at all. Acid whey, containing almost all whey proteins and approximately one-quarter of casein, presents a valuable raw material for generating peptides with potential health benefits. These peptides exhibit properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, opioid, mineral-binding, and growth-stimulating activities, contributing to improved human immunity and the treatment of chronic diseases. Bioactive peptides can be produced by enzymatic hydrolysis using a variety of proteolytic enzymes, plant extracts, and microbial fermentation. With the participation of plant enzymes, peptides that inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme are most often obtained. The use of enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produces more diverse peptides from different whey proteins with α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin as the main targets. The resulting peptides of varying lengths often have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic characteristics. Peptides produced by LAB are promising for use in medicine and the food industry as antioxidants and biopreservatives. Other beneficial properties of LAB-produced, whey-derived peptides have not yet been fully explored and remain to be studied. The development of whey drinks rich in bioactive peptides and based on the LAB proteolytic activity is underway. The strain specificity of LAB proteases opens up broad prospects for combining microorganisms to obtain products with the widest range of beneficial properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Fermented Food: Health and Benefit)
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16 pages, 1159 KiB  
Article
Harnessing Fermented Soymilk Production by a Newly Isolated Pediococcus acidilactici F3 to Enhance Antioxidant Level with High Antimicrobial Activity against Food-Borne Pathogens during Co-Culture
by Sitha Chan, Kaemwich Jantama, Chutinun Prasitpuriprecha, Supasson Wansutha, Chutchawan Phosriran, Laddawan Yuenyaow, Kuan-Chen Cheng and Sirima Suvarnakuta Jantama
Foods 2024, 13(13), 2150; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132150 - 7 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1010
Abstract
In this study, a newly isolated Pediococcus acidilactici F3 was used as probiotic starter for producing fermented soymilk to enhance antioxidant properties with high antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens. The objectives of this study were to investigate optimized fermentation parameters of soymilk for [...] Read more.
In this study, a newly isolated Pediococcus acidilactici F3 was used as probiotic starter for producing fermented soymilk to enhance antioxidant properties with high antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens. The objectives of this study were to investigate optimized fermentation parameters of soymilk for enhancing antioxidant property by P. acidilactici F3 and to assess the dynamic antimicrobial activity of the fermented soymilk during co-culturing against candidate food-borne pathogens. Based on central composite design (CCD) methodology, the maximum predicted percentage of antioxidant activity was 78.9% DPPH inhibition. After model validation by a 2D contour plot, more suitable optimum parameters were adjusted to be 2% (v/v) inoculum and 2.5 g/L glucose incubated at 30 °C for 18 h. These parameters could provide the comparable maximum percentage of antioxidant activity at 74.5 ± 1.2% DPPH inhibition, which was up to a 23% increase compared to that of non-fermented soymilk. During 20 days of storage at 4 °C, antioxidant activities and viable cells of the fermented soymilk were stable while phenolic and organic contents were slightly increased. Interestingly, the fermented soymilk completely inhibited food-borne pathogens, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 13311, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 during the co-culture incubation. Results showed that the soymilk fermented by P. acidilactici F3 may be one of the alternative functional foods enriched in probiotics, and the antioxidation and antimicrobial activities may retain nutritional values and provide health benefits to consumers with high confidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Fermented Food: Health and Benefit)
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