Effects of a synbiotic milk product on human intestinal ecosystem.
OBJECTIVE
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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
The tested synbiotic milk showed its synbiotic nature by enhancing the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.


CONCLUSIONS
Scientific support to functional effect of a synbiotic milk.
Casiraghi
M C
MC
Department of Food Science and Microbiology, Division of Human Nutrition, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. maria.casiraghi@unimi.it
Canzi
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E
Zanchi
R
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Donati
E
E
Villa
L
L
D000328:Adult; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000032:analysis; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D043302:Cultured Milk Products; D004032:Diet; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D017753:Ecosystem; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019936:Probiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D019344:Lactic Acid