Lactic Acid Bacteria Metabolism: Mini-Review

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a heterogeneous group of Gram-positive bacteria found in various ecological niches: fermented and non-fermented foods, intestinal tract and vagina of humans and animals, and environment. They are microorganisms used as probiotics, food supplements, and fermentates due to their characteristics of fermentation and safety status. LAB are responsible for the sensory and shelf life of fermented foods, gut microbiota equilibrium, and health modulation through different metabolic activities by the action of various enzymes. These enzymes degrade the major compounds: carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, leading to the production of new metabolites that is important to study them with the aim to understand all metabolic pathways and diverse possible applications. The present work summarizes the metabolism of LAB, including different pathways, key enzymes, and specific aspects of certain species.