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Effects of a synbiotic milk product on human intestinal ecosystem
Author(s) -
Casiraghi M.C.,
Canzi E.,
Zanchi R.,
Donati E.,
Villa L.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03273.x
Subject(s) - synbiotics , inulin , lactobacillus acidophilus , probiotic , food science , lactic acid , prebiotic , bifidobacterium , feces , lactobacillus , placebo , biology , zoology , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , bacteria , fermentation , genetics , alternative medicine , pathology
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.