Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

The effect of probiotic fermented milk and inulin on the functions and microecology of the intestine

2007; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 74; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/s0022029907002713

1469-7629

Ulla Sairanen, Laura Piirainen, Soile Gråsten, Tuomo Tompuri, Jaana Mättö, Maria Saarela, Riitta Korpela,

Infant Nutrition and Health

We investigated the effects of a probiotic fermented milk and inulin on gastrointestinal function and microecology. The study was double-blinded and comprised 66 healthy adults (22 male, 44 female), mean age 40 years (range, 22–60 years). After a 12-d baseline period the subjects were randomized to consume, for 3 weeks, 3×200 ml daily of either (1) a fermented milk with probiotics ( Bifidobacterium longum BB536, Bifidobacterium spp. 420 and Lactobacillus acidophilus 145), (2) a fermented milk with the same probiotics plus 4 g inulin, or (3) a control fermented milk. During the last 7 d of the baseline and the intervention periods, the subjects kept a record of their defaecation frequency and gastrointestinal symptoms, and collected all their faeces. Intestinal transit time, stool weight and faecal enzyme activities were measured. Thirty-nine subjects were randomized to give faecal samples for analysis of pH and microbes, including lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli , Bacteroides and Clostridium perfringens . Consumption of fermented milk with probiotics or with probiotics and inulin increased the faecal number of lactobacilli ( P =0·009, P =0·003) and bifidobacteria ( P =0·046, P =0·038) compared with the baseline. Compared with the control fermented milk, both active products increased lactobacilli ( P =0·005, ANCOVA). Subjects consuming fermented milk with probiotics and inulin suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms, especially flatulence, more than the others ( P <0·001). In conclusion, the probiotic fermented milk product had a positive effect by increasing the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the colon. Inulin did not alter this effect but it increased gastrointestinal symptoms.