Authors: Casiraghi, M.C.¹; Canzi, E.²; Zanchi, R.²; Donati, E.³; Villa, L.³

Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology, Volume 103, Number 2, August 2007 , pp. 499-506(8)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Aims: 

To investigate the effect of prolonged consumption of a synbiotic milk (Synbiotic) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (strain 74-2, 10⁷ CFU ml⁻¹), Bifidobacterium lactis (strain 420, 10⁷ 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) andl-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.

Keywords: bifidobacteria; faecal bile acids; inulin; lactic acid bacteria; synbiotic

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03273.x

Affiliations: 1:  Department of Food Science and Microbiology, Division of Human Nutrition, University of Milan, Milan, Italy 2:  Division of Microbiology, Department of Food Science and Microbiology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy 3:  Centrale del Latte di Milano, Granarolo Group, Milan, Italy

Publication date: 2007-08-01

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