9. Conclusion

Disruption of the microbiota can play a major role in an individual's state of health.

Among the strategies designed to favorably influence the composition of this ecosystem, probiotics have been widely used.

A new and growing angle of interest is heat-killed bacteria or their components, as they can be safely used in immunocompromised people without the slightest risk of infection. They can also be administered in combination with antimicrobials without fear of loss of activity due to the antimicrobials themselves. Finally, in countries where stable storage conditions are weak or non-existent, these galenic forms are much simpler and less costly to use. With this in mind, the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has just given its opinion on pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila (postbiotic)