Abstract & Article Details
Review Article • Vol.7, Issue 7 • ISSN: 2766-2276 • Open Access • CC BY 4.0
Health Benefits of Water Kefir Consumption
Abstract
Water kefir is a non-dairy fermented beverage produced by the fermentation of sugar-rich solutions by a symbiotic consortium of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), Acetic Acid Bacteria (AAB), and yeasts embedded in a polysaccharide matrix. Unlike milk kefir, water kefir is suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, milk protein allergies, and those following vegan diets. This mini review critically examines original research articles investigating the health-related properties of water kefir. Experimental evidence from in vitro assays and in vivo animal models demonstrates that water kefir exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, detoxifying, antidiabetic, and gut microbiota-modulating activities. Studies have shown protective effects in experimental models of colitis and type 2 diabetes, as well as mycotoxin detoxification and safety in subchronic toxicity assessments. The bioactive properties are attributed to both viable microorganisms and fermentation-derived postbiotics, including organic acids, Exopolysaccharides (EPS), and phenolic compounds. Despite these promising preclinical findings, well-designed human clinical trials remain scarce. This review synthesizes the current evidence, highlights consistencies and limitations across studies, and identifies directions for future research to establish water kefir as a functional beverage for human health.
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Article Information
| Journal | Journal of Biomedical Research & Environmental Sciences (JBRES) |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 2766-2276 |
| DOI | DOI 10.37871/jbres2316 |
| Volume / Issue | Vol. 7, Issue 7 |
| Received | July 13, 2026 |
| Accepted | July 26, 2026 |
| Published | July 27, 2026 |
| Article Type | Review Article |
| Pages | 1-9 |
| License | CC BY 4.0 — Open Access |
| Publisher | SciRes Literature LLC, Sheridan, WY, USA |
| Language | English |
Published under CC BY 4.0 — free to share, copy, adapt, and redistribute with attribution.