Probiotics enhance vitamin absorption in the intestine: influencing factors and potential mechanisms

Abstract

Vitamins are essential for numerous bodily functions and metabolic regulation. The importance of probiotics in promoting intestinal absorption of vitamins has been confirmed, yet several factors influence the effectiveness of this promotion. Despite this, studies on the mechanisms by which probiotics facilitate this process remain limited. In this review, we discuss the potential mechanisms through which probiotics promote intestinal vitamin absorption. These include altering the composition of the intestinal microbiota, improving the intestinal environment, regulating intestinal pH, enhancing vitamin expression and activity, synthesizing transporter proteins, producing binding proteins, and generating postbiotics. Additionally, the promotion of intestinal vitamin absorption by probiotics may be influenced by digestive enzymes, vitamin transporter proteins, vitamin-binding proteins, and dietary lipids. Understanding the factors that influence how probiotics affect intestinal vitamin absorption and elucidating their underlying mechanisms of action are crucial for unlocking the full potential of probiotics and developing effective applications.