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Kluyveromyces Marxianus

Also known as: Kluyveromyces marxianus, Candida kefyr

Overview

Kluyveromyces marxianus is a thermotolerant yeast commonly found in foods and beverages, especially dairy products like kefir, as well as in decaying plant tissue and associated insects. It is utilized as a probiotic, in biochemical production, and in fermentation processes to degrade fructans. Key characteristics include high-speed growth, resilience against industrial stresses, efficient potassium uptake systems, and the ability to survive in adverse conditions such as low pH and high phenol concentrations. Research is advancing on its probiotic potential, metabolic pathways, and industrial applications. Evidence is primarily from in vitro and in vivo studies, with a need for more large-scale human clinical trials and systematic reviews to confirm long-term safety and efficacy. It is considered a microbial cell factory and dietary supplement.

Benefits

Kluyveromyces marxianus strains have demonstrated superior survivability in simulated gastrointestinal environments compared to Saccharomyces boulardii, showing significant tolerance to pH 2.0-7.5 and phenol concentrations. Dietary supplementation in broiler chickens altered serum metabolite profiles, enhancing glutamine and glutamate metabolism. Additionally, it induces a response dominated by Foxp3+ T reg cells, suggesting potential benefits in conditions characterized by excessive inflammation. Strains exhibit greater hydrophobicity, biofilm formation, and auto-aggregation abilities, which may enhance their survival in the host GI tract. K. marxianus can degrade fructans in wheat grain almost completely during fermentation, which could be beneficial in reducing fructan levels in baked goods. These benefits are supported by in vitro and in vivo studies, but further human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.

How it works

Kluyveromyces marxianus utilizes efficient potassium uptake systems via the KmHAK1 and KmTRK1 genes, contributing to its robust growth under adverse conditions. It modulates the immune system by inducing a response dominated by Foxp3+ T reg cells, which can help in reducing excessive inflammation. K. marxianus interacts with the gastrointestinal system by surviving and thriving in its environment, and it influences metabolic pathways, particularly those related to amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. The yeast targets dendritic cells and T cells in the immune system, promoting a regulatory T cell response. Its ability to survive and metabolize a wide range of substances in the GI tract supports its bioavailability.

Side effects

Kluyveromyces marxianus is generally considered safe due to its natural occurrence in foods and its use in fermentation processes. However, comprehensive safety data from large-scale human studies are limited. There is no specific data on common, uncommon, or rare side effects, as most studies are in vitro or in animal models. There is no documented evidence of drug interactions, but this area requires further research. No specific contraindications are reported, but caution should be exercised in individuals with compromised immune systems or other underlying health conditions. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with severe immune deficiencies should consult healthcare providers before using K. marxianus supplements.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Kluyveromyces marxianus is not well-defined in human studies, but in animal studies, a dose of 5 × 10^10 CFU kg^-1 of diet has shown significant effects. Optimal dosage ranges are not established, and more research is needed to determine the most effective and safe dosages for humans. There is no established maximum safe dose, and long-term safety data are lacking. Timing considerations are not well-defined, but it is likely that consistent daily supplementation would be necessary to maintain any beneficial effects. K. marxianus can be administered in various forms, including dietary supplements and fermented foods. The form may influence bioavailability and efficacy. Its ability to survive and thrive in the GI tract suggests good absorption and bioavailability.

FAQs

Is Kluyveromyces marxianus safe?

While generally considered safe due to its presence in foods, more human studies are needed to fully assess long-term safety and potential side effects.

How should I take Kluyveromyces marxianus?

Consistent daily supplementation is likely necessary, but specific timing and administration guidelines are not yet firmly established by research.

What results can I expect from taking Kluyveromyces marxianus?

Potential benefits include improved GI health, immune modulation, and metabolic benefits, but these need confirmation in human clinical trials.

Is Kluyveromyces marxianus a substitute for medical treatment?

No, it is not a substitute for medical treatment and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially in special populations.

Research Sources

https://academic.oup.com/femsyr/article/doi/10.1093/femsyr/foae031/7810273?login=false – This review discusses the biotechnological potential of Kluyveromyces marxianus, highlighting its rapid growth, broad substrate utilization, and tolerance to various stresses. It emphasizes its applications in biofuel production, enzyme production, and as a host for heterologous protein expression, showcasing its versatility in industrial biotechnology.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.842097/full – This study compares the probiotic potential of different Kluyveromyces marxianus strains, focusing on their survivability in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The research indicates that certain strains of K. marxianus exhibit superior survival rates compared to Saccharomyces boulardii, suggesting their potential as effective probiotics.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29912245/ – This research investigates the impact of dietary supplementation with Kluyveromyces marxianus on the serum metabolite profiles of broiler chickens. The findings reveal that K. marxianus supplementation alters the levels of several metabolites, particularly enhancing glutamine and glutamate metabolism, indicating potential health benefits in animal nutrition.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0167410 – This study explores the immunomodulatory effects of Kluyveromyces marxianus on human dendritic cells and T cells. The results demonstrate that K. marxianus induces a response dominated by Foxp3+ T regulatory cells, suggesting its potential in modulating immune responses and treating conditions characterized by excessive inflammation.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.7b02793 – This study examines the ability of Kluyveromyces marxianus to degrade fructans in wheat grain during fermentation. The research shows that K. marxianus can effectively degrade fructans, which could be beneficial in reducing fructan levels in baked goods, potentially improving their digestibility for individuals sensitive to fructans.