Microbial metabolites can have both beneficial and harmful effects on human health. Beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), are produced by gut bacteria during the fermentation of dietary fibers. These SCFAs help maintain gut health, modulate the immune system, and protect against inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, harmful metabolites can act as toxins, disrupting normal physiological processes and contributing to diseases like carcinogenesis, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.
