Indian probiotic food: Gut health management: An updated review

Kolkar, Kiran P. and Annapurna, S and Malabadi, Ravindra B. and Jayashree, BK and Chalannavar, Raju K. and Divakar, MS and Karamchand, Kishore S. and Baijnath, Himansu (2025) Indian probiotic food: Gut health management: An updated review. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 23 (1). pp. 431-447. ISSN 2582-5542

Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which, when ingested in adequate amounts, confer health benefits on the host. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, coronary artery disease, gynecological discorders, a variety of chronic inflammatory disorders with an immune basis, and some forms of cancer are increasing in incidence around the world and in India, and may be attributable in part to rapid changes in our lifestyle. Yeast exhibit several beneficial properties, such as the prevention and treatment of diarrhea, the production of antimicrobial agents, the prevention of pathogen adherence to intestinal sites, the maintenance of microbial balance, the modulation of the immune system, antibiotic resistance, amongst others. The probiotic industry in India is experiencing strong growth, fuelled by increasing consumer awareness of gut health and a rising demand for functional foods. The market has nearly doubled in the past five years, reaching ₹2,070 crore (approximately US$242 million) in 2025. In terms of segment, probiotic food and beverages was the largest revenue generating form in 2023 in India. Probiotic dietary supplements is the most lucrative form segment registering the fastest growth during the forecast period. In terms of revenue, India accounted for 6.5% of the global probiotics market in 2023. Some popular probiotic-rich foods in India include yogurt (dahi), buttermilk (chaas), idli, dosa, dhokla, kanji, and various pickles (achaar). Fermented soybean products like tempeh and natto, as well as kefir, also offer probiotic benefits. The probiotic effects ranged from antimicrobial activity to gut flora restoration, immune modulation and glycemic control, antioxidant properties, cholesterol reduction, bile salt resistance, adherence to the gut lining, pathogen inhibition, and biofilm formations. The microbiome of a healthy individual consists of balanced populations of both beneficial and harmful microorganisms. The oral administration of S. Saccharomyces boulardii changes in the gut microbial combinations in various clinical reports.