In vitro test to evaluate survival in the gastrointestinal tract of commercial probiotics

• Published in: Current research in food science Vol. 4; pp. 320 - 325
• Main Authors: Naissinger da Silva, Maritiele, Tagliapietra, Bruna Lago, Flores, Vinícius do Amaral, Pereira dos Santos Richards, Neila Silvia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.01.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: cell viability; commercialization; digestive tract; food science; Functional foods; Gastrointestinal simulation; ileum; probiotics; Research Paper; Supplements; Symbiotic; Viability; Gastrointestinal simulation; Symbiotic; Functional foods; Viability; Supplements
• ISSN: 2665-9271; 2665-9271
• DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2021.04.006

The search for functional foods grows constantly, and in this demand, the supply of industries that seek to produce and sell supplements also grows, as is the case of probiotics freely sold in pharmacies and supermarkets. Given a large number of foods with probiotic appeal and supplements sold without the need for a nutritional or medical prescription, this study came up to evaluate the viability of commercial probiotic cells, through in vitro gastrointestinal simulation and analyzing the information present in their labeling. Eleven commercial probiotic samples were analyzed, and viable cell counts were performed before and after in vitro simulation. These products usually use appealing labeling and induce the consumer to purchase these probiotics, which often do not offer the benefits described on the packaging. The results showed that only two samples had the initial concentration indicated on their labeling and four samples offered a concentration of 3 log CFU g−1 in the ileum portion. All samples had a reduction in concentration during the gastrointestinal simulation, which varied from 1 to 4 log CFU g−1, but most do not fulfill the offer of a probiotic supplement, and there should be more inspection and control over the commercialization of this product niche. [Display omitted] •Of eleven probiotics analyzed, only two were in accordance with their labeling.•Only six probiotics showed an initial concentration above 8 log CFU g-1.•After gastrointestinal simulation, six probiotics showed viability greater than 6 log CFU g-1.•Probiotic fermented milk and microorganisms protected by capsules showed the best results.•Technologies are needed that contribute to maintaining probiotic viability in storage and digestion.