Postbiotics and paraprobiotics in food biochemistry mechanisms stability and nutritional applications.

Postbiotics, defined as preparations of inanimate microorganisms and their components that confer health benefits, are emerging as stable and safe alternatives to probiotics. This review summarizes recent advances in the biochemical composition, mechanisms of action, and applications of postbiotics and paraprobiotics in human and animal nutrition. It also highlights innovations in omics technologies, artificial intelligence, and sustainable production strategies that are shaping next-generation microbiome-based functional foods and therapeutic interventions.