Effects of a synbiotic milk product on human intestinal ecosystem

Aims: To investigate the effect of prolonged consumption of a synbiotic milk (Synbiotic) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (strain 74-2, 107 CFU ml1), Bifidobacterium lactis (strain 420, 107 CFU ml1) and 2% inulin on colonic ecosystem in healthy humans. Methods and 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 day1 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. Conclusion: The tested synbiotic milk showed its synbiotic nature by enhancing the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Significance and Impact of the Study: Scientific support to functional effect of a synbiotic milk.