Exopolysaccharide from Lactobacillus fermentum Lf2 and its functional characterization as a yogurt additive.
- 2016-11
- Journal of Dairy Research 83(4)
- E. C. Ale
- M. Perezlindo
- P. Burns
- Eduardo Tabacman
- J. Reinheimer
- A. Binetti
- PubMed: 27845020
- DOI: 10.1017/S0022029916000571
Study Design
- Type
- Clinical Trial
- Methods
- In vivo experiment with murine model.
- Animal Study
Abstract
Lactobacillus fermentum Lf2 is a strain which is able to produce high levels (approximately 1 g/l) of crude exopolysaccharide (EPS) when it is grown in optimised conditions. The aim of this work was to characterize the functional aspects of this EPS extract, focusing on its application as a dairy food additive. Our findings are consistent with an EPS extract that acts as moderate immunomodulator, modifying s-IgA and IL-6 levels in the small intestine when added to yogurt and milk, respectively. Furthermore, this EPS extract, in a dose feasible to use as a food additive, provides protection against Salmonella infection in a murine model, thus representing a mode of action to elicit positive health benefits. Besides, it contributes to the rheological characteristics of yogurt, and could function as a food additive with both technological and functional roles, making possible the production of a new functional yogurt with improved texture.
Keywords: Salmonella; Exopolysaccharide; IgA; cytokines; lactic acid bacteria.
Research Insights
Our findings are consistent with an EPS extract that acts as moderate immunomodulator, modifying s-IgA and IL-6 levels in the small intestine when added to yogurt and milk, respectively.
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate
Furthermore, this EPS extract, in a dose feasible to use as a food additive, provides protection against Salmonella infection in a murine model, thus representing a mode of action to elicit positive health benefits.
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate