The present invention relates to a direct vat set starter culture composition comprising lactic acid bacteria comprising a manganese transporter for fermenting a food product and for inhibiting or delaying growth of fungi in said food product, characterized in that the composition comprises up to 600 ppm of manganese.

The invention relates to methods for promoting SCFA production by gut microbiota by administering a liquid, water-based probiotic composition. The methods are particularly effective at promoting gut health. The invention further relates to methods of promoting intestinal barrier integrity, methods of promoting a tolerogenic gut phenotype, and methods of treating Parkinson's Disease.

The invention relates to methods for promoting SCFA production by gut microbiota by administering a liquid, water-based probiotic composition. The methods are particularly effective at promoting gut health. The invention further relates to methods of promoting intestinal barrier integrity, methods of promoting a tolerogenic gut phenotype, and methods of treating Parkinson's Disease.