Effects of a synbiotic milk product on human intestinal ecosystem

Aims:  To investigate the effect of prolonged consumption of a synbiotic milk (Synbiotic) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (strain 74‐2, 10 7  CFU ml −1 ), Bifidobacterium lactis (strain 420, 10 7  CFU ml −1 ) and 2% inulin on colonic ecosystem in healthy humans. Methods and Results:  A group of 26 healthy subjects, aged 22–47 years, participated in a 6‐week placebo‐controlled dietary intervention study. After a 2‐week baseline period, in which all volunteers consumed 500 ml day −1 of 2% skimmed milk (Placebo), the study was designed as a randomized, double‐blind, two‐armed parallel study in which 4‐week consumption of 500 ml day portions of Synbiotic or Placebo were compared. Faecal microbial counts, pH, l ‐lactic acid and bile acid concentrations were assessed before and after the intervention. Synbiotic consumption significantly decreased faecal dry weight ( P  < 0·01) and l ‐lactic acid ( P  < 0·05) concentration, while significantly increased faecal bifidobacteria ( P  < 0·05) and lactobacilli ( P  < 0·01) counts. Conclusion:  The tested synbiotic milk showed its synbiotic nature by enhancing the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Significance and Impact of the Study:  Scientific support to functional effect of a synbiotic milk.