Açaí Flan, A Functional Food with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 Probiotic: Physicochemical Characteristics, Probiotic Survival, Sensory Acceptance and Consumer Perception.

Research background: Açaí berry is rich in antioxidant compounds and is therefore closely associated with beneficial health effects. In this study, we aim to investigate the potential of using Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 as a probiotic culture on açaí flan. Experimental approach: The chemical composition, physicochemical and microbiological characteristics, and sensory acceptance during refrigerated storage (5 °C for 42 days) of flan were investigated. In addition, the consumer perception of the product was evaluated using word association when consumers were shown a photo of the product with or without the added ingredients accompanied with a brief description of the product. Results and conclusions: The flan had a suitable chemical composition, mainly carbohydrates and proteins, probiotic viability reached 8 log CFU/g in the product and 4 log CFU/g after gastrointestinal simulation, typical açaí coloration, significant antioxidant activity and high sensory acceptability. The information about the ingredients and properties of the products increased the health value and positive feelings of the consumers towards the product. Novelty and scientific contribution: Açaí flan has proven to be a suitable carrier for L. rhamnosus HN001 as a probiotic culture, further enhancing the characteristic beneficial properties of the fruit. Therefore, combining this information with marketing strategies that inform consumers about the benefits of the product can further improve its acceptance. As far as we know, this is the first study on açaí flan with added probiotic culture.

Predictive factors to estimate the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in candidates for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

OBJECTIVES: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD results in a significant number of patients manifesting chronic liver disease over time. The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive factors to estimate NAFLD severity in patients who are candidates for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. METHODS: This descriptive observational study was conducted with 136 obese patients who were candidates for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and had mild, moderate, or severe NAFLD. RESULTS: Severe NAFLD was more prevalent among the men (P = 0.007), and mild NAFLD was more prevalent among the women (P = 0.007). Hyperferritinemia was observed in the group with severe NAFLD (P = 0.01). Neck circumference and waist-to-height ratio were associated with an increased risk when comparing the groups with mild and severe NAFLD and those with moderate and severe NAFLD (P = 0.023 and P = 0.001, respectively); the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase ratio values were >1 (P = 0.002) in the same comparisons. The regression analyses showed that an increase of 1 ng/mL in vitamin D reduced the chances of severe steatosis by 10% (P = 0.043), and an increase of 1 U/L ALT increased the chances of severe steatosis by 13% (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: High neck circumference and low waist-to-height ratio values, male sex, hyperferritinemia, increased serum ALT values, and decreased vitamin D levels were related to the risk for severe NAFLD.

Probiotic Greek yogurt: effect of the addition of prebiotic fat substitutes on the physicochemical characteristics, probiotic survival, and sensory acceptance.

In this research communication we evaluate the impact of the addition of prebiotic components (inulin, polydextrose, and modified starch, 40 g/l) as fat substitutes on the physicochemical characteristics, probiotic survival, and sensory acceptance of probiotic (Lacticaseibacillus casei 01, 108 CFU/ml) Greek yogurts during storage (7 °C, 28 d). All formulations had probiotic counts higher than 107 CFU/ml during storage and simulated gastrointestinal conditions (SGIC). The prebiotic components increased the probiotic survival to the enteric phase of the SGIC, with inulin producing the most pronounced effect. Inulin addition resulted in products with lower pH values and consistency and higher titratable acidity during storage, with negative impact on the sensory acceptance (flavor, texture, and overall impression) at the end of the storage period. Modified starch addition impacted negatively on the acceptance of the products (appearance, flavor, texture, and overall impression). Polydextrose addition resulted in products with lower consistency, but similar sensory acceptance to the full-fat yogurt. It can be concluded that it is possible to prepare potentially synbiotic Greek yogurts by desorption technique using L. casei as probiotic culture and inulin, polydextrose or modified starch as prebiotic components, with the utilization of polydextrose being advisable.

Effect of carbonation and probiotic addition on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of whey dairy beverage.

This research communication addresses the impact of the addition of Lactobacillus casei and/or carbonation (CO2) on the chemical composition, physicochemical characteristics, probiotic survival, and sensory acceptance of passion-fruit flavored whey dairy beverages (70% milk/30% whey) during storage (30 d/4°C). The addition of Lactobacillus casei and/or carbonation did not impact on the chemical composition, pH values, and acceptance (flavor and overall impression) of the products, but increased the acidity, and decreased the aroma acceptance. The carbonation process did not affect the probiotic survival but decreased the acidity of the products during storage. It can be concluded that it is possible to develop a probiotic passion-fruit flavored carbonated whey dairy beverage with suitable chemical composition, acidity, sensory acceptance (>6 in 9-point hedonic scale) and probiotic viability (>7 log cfu/ml) that could be refrigerated stored for 30 d. This is the first report considering a probiotic non-fermented carbonated whey dairy beverage.

Relationship between gut microbiota, probiotics, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is constantly increasing, and it has become a major concern, with several implications for public health, economy, and social well-being. It is well-known that several factors such as lifestyle, increased intake of fat and sugar-rich foods, and host genetics can lead to T2DM. Some recent studies have suggested that the composition of the intestinal microbiota can trigger T2DM. Since then, considerable effort has been made to understand the link between the composition of intestinal microbiota and T2DM, as well as the role of probiotics in modulation of intestinal microbiota. This mini-review summarizes the major findings and discusses the close relationship between intestinal microbiota, probiotics, and T2DM.

Fermented beverage based on water-soluble soybean extract / Bebida fermentada à base de extrato hidrosolúvel de soja

Functional foods are those that, beyond basic nutrition, promote health benefits. This study aimed to produce a fermented beverage from a water-soluble soybean extract and low-lactose semi-skimmed milk. The beverage was prepared using a blend (v/v) containing 62% water-soluble soybean extract, 33% low-lactose semi-skimmed milk, and 5% of an inoculum containing Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus. The fermentation was carried out with monitoring of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts, pH, and titrable acidity (% lactic acid). The consumption-ready fermented beverage was added of strawberry syrup and posteriorly characterized by its centesimal composition and sensory attributes as appearance, aroma, flavour, texture, overall impression, and purchase intent. Additionally, the LAB count and presence of pathogens in the final product were evaluated. After 14 h of fermentation, the refrigerated product presented L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus counts of 8.5 × 103 and 7.4 × 107 CFU/mL, respectively. The product contained 14.93% carbohydrates, 0.76% fats, 0.96% ash, 22.76% totalsolids, and 2.19% protein. Because the product did not present any pathogens, it was adequate according to the standards of microbiological safety determined by Brazilian legislation. Regarding the sensory evaluation, the panelists assigned a mean score of 7.0 for the attributes evaluated, indicating 'liked moderately' to the drink. In addition, 61% of the evaluators responded that they 'certainly or probably would buy' the product if it were available on the market.

Alimentos funcionais são aqueles que, além da nutrição básica, promovem benefícios à saúde. Este trabalho teve como objetivo produzir uma bebida fermentada a partir de extrato hidrosolúvel de soja (EHS) e leite semidesnatado com baixa lactose. A bebida foi preparada utilizando uma mistura (v/v) contendo 62% de EHS, 33% de leite semidesnatado com baixa lactose e 5% de inóculo contendo Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus e Streptococcus salivarius subsp. Thermophilus. A fermentação foi acompanhada durante 14 horas, através das contagens das bactérias ácido lácticas, pH e a acidez titulável (% de ácido láctico). A bebida fermentada pronta para consumo foi adicionada de uma calda de morango e caracterizada por sua composição centesimal, bem como por avaliação sensorial para os atributos: aparência, aroma, sabor, impressão global e intenção de compra. Além disso, a contagem das bactérias lácticas e presença de patógenos no produto foi avaliada. Após 14 horas de fermentação, o produto final refrigerado apresentou contagens de 8,5x103 UFC/mL e 7,4x107 UFC/mL para as bactérias L. bulgaricus e S. thermophilus respectivamente. O produto apresentou 14,93% de carboidratos, 0,76% de gordura, 0,96% de cinzas, 22,76% de sólidos totais e 2,19% de proteína. O produto não apresentou quaisquer patógenos, portanto, foi adequado aos padrões determinados pela legislação brasileira quanto à segurança microbiólogica. Com relação à avaliação sensorial, os provadores atribuíram em média nota 7,0 para todos os parâmetros avaliados, indicando que "gostarammoderadamente" da bebida. Ademais 61% dos avaliadores apontaram que "certamente ou provavelmente comprariam" o produto se estivesse disponível no mercado.

Beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium lactis on lipid profile and cytokines in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized trial. Effects of probiotics on metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Human studies have shown the beneficial effects of probiotic microorganisms on the parameters of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and other cardiovascular risks, but to our knowledge the effect of Bifidobacterium lactis has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of consumption of milk containing the probiotic B. lactis HN019 on the classical parameters of MetS and other related cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with MetS were selected and divided into a control group (n = 25) and a probiotic group (n = 26). The probiotic group consumed fermented milk with probiotics over the course of 45 d. The effects of B. lactis on lipid profile, glucose metabolism, and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) were assessed in blood samples of the individuals at the baseline and after 45 d. RESULTS: Daily ingestion of 80 mL fermented milk with 2.72 × 10(10) colony-forming units of B. lactis HN019 showed significant reduction in body mass index (P = 0.017), total cholesterol (P = 0.009), and low-density lipoprotein (P = 0.008) compared with baseline and control group values. Furthermore, a significant decrease in tumor necrosis factor-α (P = 0.033) and interleukin-6 (P = 0.044) proinflammatory cytokines was observed. CONCLUSION: These data showed potential effects of B. lactis HN019 in reducing obesity, blood lipids, and some inflammatory markers, which may reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with MetS.

Potential fate of ingested Lactobacillus plantarum and its occurrence in human feces.

Lactobacillus plantarum has been used in human clinical trials to promote beneficial effects in the immune system, to alleviate intestinal disorders, and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is also involved in many fermentation processes in the food industry. However, information on the fate of ingested L. plantarum is limited. In this study, 61 subjects received daily doses of fermented milk containing 2 × 10(11) cells of L. plantarum Lp115 for different periods of time. The target microorganism was monitored in the fecal microbiota via quantitative PCR (qPCR). L. plantarum was detected and quantified in all of the subjects during the ingestion periods. The differences between the L. plantarum levels at time zero and during all the different ingestion periods were statistically significant (P = 0.001). However, at 15 and 45 days after discontinuing supplementation, the number of lactobacilli was reduced to the baseline level (those at time zero). A longer period with L. plantarum in the diet did not result in increased levels of this bacterium in the stool, based on postconsumption evaluations (P = 0.001). The qPCR method was specific and sensitive for L. plantarum quantification in such a complex microbial environment as the gastrointestinal tract.