Yacon-Based Product in the Modulation of Intestinal Constipation.

This study aimed to assess the effects of a yacon-based product (YBP) on constipation in adults, including the elderly. Forty-eight individuals were recruited and divided into equal intervention groups named the test and control groups. The YBP (test) and the control (maltodextrin) were dissolved in commercial orange juice. The volunteers for the YBP/test group consumed, on a daily basis, orange juice containing 10 g fructooligosaccharide (FOS)/inulin per day. The control group consumed, on a daily basis, orange juice containing 25 g of maltodextrin. The study had a span of 30 days. We evaluated the participants' frequency of evacuation, consistency of the feces, constipation score, abdominal symptoms (flatulence, pain, and abdominal strain), and effects upon the microbiota, pH, lactate, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of the feces. The study showed an increased number of evacuations after the consumption of the YBP as well as an improvement in the consistency of the feces and a reduction in the constipation score. After 30 days of intervention, the group that consumed the YBP showed higher counts of Bifidobacterium, lower Clostridium and enterobacteria counts, and lower fecal pH. In relation to SCFAs, no significant change was found after the intervention. However, the lactate concentration was higher in the test group when compared to the post-treatment control group. The YBP was effective in improving constipation symptoms; not only was its functional characteristic in reducing constipation symptoms evident but it also demonstrated usefulness as a potential therapy.

Evaluation of antagonistic activity of milk fermented with kefir grains of different origins

In this study, the potential of kefir grains, obtained from three different towns/cities in the Southeast Region of Brazil to inhibit the growth of the five pathogenic microorganisms was evaluated. The samples showed the growth inhibition from 42.80-69.15 for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, 30.73-59.89 for Escherichia coli ATCC 11229, 44.99-73.05 for Salmonela typhi ATCC 6539, 41.45-54.18 for Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313 and 70.38-86.80 for Bacillus cereus RIBO 1222-173-S4. These results indicated that the kefir grains evaluated had antagonistic activity toward the different pathogens tested. The ability to inhibit, although differently depending on the regional microbiota, indicated a potential for their use as a functional food.

The genus Enterococcus as probiotic: safety concerns

Species from the genus Enterococcus have been used as probiotic for humans or animals, although this genus is not considered "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). While enterococci are considered "positive" in food technology, isolates of this genus have emerged as opportunistic pathogens for the humans. The aim of this review is to summarize the characteristics that can determine the use of this genus as probiotics. According to the guidelines used to define the genus Enterococcus strains as probiotic a case-by-case evaluation of each potential technological strain is presented and research perspectives for using enterococci as probiotic is also discussed.