Goat milk fermented by lactic acid bacteria modulates small intestinal microbiota and immune responses

Abstract The impact of fermented cow milk on gut microbiota has been extensively studied, however, the role of fermented goat milk (FGM) has not been well evaluated. The present study using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology investigated the effect of FGM intake on small intestinal microbiota in mice. It was found that FGM intake decreased microbial diversity and significantly altered microbiota composition, particularly the genera Lactobacillus and Streptococcus. Moreover, metabolism and disease profiles were shifted by the FGM based on the function prediction. The expression of immune factors including tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfα), granzyme B (Gzmb), perforin (Prf) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) was also regulated by FGM treatment. Collectively, our findings reveal that FGM intake can exert beneficial effects on small intestinal microbiota and further modulate the host metabolism and immune responses. Therefore, the FGM can serve as an alternative functional food to improve health through gut bacterial management.