Postbiotics from Functional Foods in Colorectal Cancer: Mechanisms, Sources, Therapeutic Potential and Clinical Perspectives

Postbiotics, defined as non-viable microbial cells, their components, or metabolic byproducts, have gained recognition as promising modulators of gut health and disease, offering advantages over probiotics in terms of safety, stability and formulation. This systematic review explores the therapeutic potential of postbiotics derived from functional foods in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC), a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Key bioactive categories of postbiotics, including short-chain fatty acids, exopolysaccharides, enzymes, cell wall fragments and cell-free supernatants are described, along with their mechanisms of action such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and chemopreventive effects. Particular emphasis is laid on preclinical studies, in vitro, in silico, in vivo, ex vivo and advanced models such as organoids and organ-on-chip systems, that demonstrate how postbiotics may impact on tumorigenesis through pathways involving apoptosis, epigenetic regulation and gut barrier integrity. Recent advances in postbiotic delivery strategies are also summarized. Despite encouraging preclinical results, translation to clinical practice remains limited by the scarcity of human trials. This review draws attention to the need for further mechanistic research and robust clinical studies to validate the role of postbiotics as safe, effective adjuncts in CRC prevention therapy and management.