Submitted to: Frontiers in Nutrition
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/25/2025
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fermented foods (FFs) are an excellent source of nutrition, microbiota and metabolites that can positively influence the needs of the growing population. However, recent urbanisation and commercialisation of food products have led to a nutritional transition towards processed diet, thereby decreasing the consumption of FFs, especially in the West. The literature outlying the positive outcomes in human health associated with fermented foods are extensive, yet most of the literature is associative and lack longitudinal studies. In this regard, the current review focus is on the health benefits of FFs, highlighting the knowledge gap in maternal and child health. We reviewed the available literature on FFs and its effect on gut microbiota, immune system and brain health. Furthermore, the review also highlights the existing knowledge gap by enquiring the possible mechanisms and pathways through which FFs can aid maternal health and child health. In summary, there is a necessity for future longitudinal studies with maternal-child dyads and mechanistic studies to establish the beneficial role of FFs in early life.