Kombucha: Perceptions and Future Prospects

Abstract

Background: Kombucha is an increasingly consumed product classified as a nutraceutical. Legislative efforts about these products remain confusing and without global harmonization. This natural product has been developed to improve or promote physical and mental health. However, it needs regulatory guidelines to control the production and guarantee the product’s efficacy and safety. Aim: The study intends to draw attention to the need for regulatory guidelines and the potential of this product in the market and peoples’ health. Key findings and conclusions: The lack of regulation and the low level of literacy about this product can limit its development, marketing, and impact on health. Thus, it is essential to highlight the potential value of this product and invest in its development and marketing. Likewise, it is important to spread awareness among the population of these products and their impacts on people’s health. Thus, this study focuses on a pertinent theme and alerts to the need for legislation for these products, to draw attention to the inexistent legislative control and the consequent need for regulatory guidelines for better and safer production and consumption.

Fermented Tea as a Food with Functional Value—Its Microbiological Profile, Antioxidant Potential and Phytochemical Composition

“…Fermented beverages are becoming increasingly popular, as consumers perceive fermentation as a natural method of food preservation, and the products themselves are valued for their health-promoting properties, which are enhanced by the fermentation process [ 17 ]. Kombucha as a fermented tea drink is being consumed increasingly in Europe, despite being of Asian origin [ 24 ]. It is prepared primarily on the basis of black tea, however, other kombucha variants, such as those made from other types of tea, such as green, white or red tea and enriched with fruit or other flavours are increasingly popular on the food market [ 25 , 26 ].…”

Kombucha: Challenges for Health and Mental Health

“…As Kombucha is one of the probiotic beverages with potential for expansion in the market, the implications of its consumption on the human body must be more deeply investigated [ 116 ], particularly its main effects on general health, as well as brain activity. On the other hand, the lack of legislation may be an obstacle to the research into impactful novel properties of this beverage [ 117 ]. Thus, more human clinical trials need to be conducted in order to guarantee the efficacy and safety of this product’s production and consumption.…”

Probiotics: Health benefits, food application, and colonization in the human gastrointestinal tract

“…It has been reported to be a potent source of antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and antiaging compounds. Additionally, it can enhance the immune system and potentially prevent certain diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases (Batista et al, 2022; Villarreal‐Soto et al, 2018). The popularity of kombucha is on the rise, and the global market for this beverage is anticipated to reach USD 5 billion by 2025 (Kim & Adhikari, 2020).…”