Functional Fermented Milk with Fruit Pulp Modulates the In Vitro Intestinal Microbiota

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Food Science
• Human Health

Background:

• Fermented milk (FM) is a source of probiotics.
• The impact of fruit pulp addition on FM's gut microbiota effects is not fully understood.
• Investigating fruit pulp's role in modulating the human intestinal microbial ecosystem is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of probiotic fermented milk (FM) with buriti pulp (FMB), passion fruit pulp (FMPF), or without fruit pulp (FMC) on the human intestinal microbiota.
• To assess the viability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and ammonium ion levels.
• To determine the influence of fruit pulp on the beneficial properties of probiotic FM.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME®) to model gut conditions.
• Administered different FM formulations (FMB, FMPF, FMC) into the SHIME® model.
• Analyzed LAB viability, microbial community composition, SCFA production, and ammonium ion concentrations.

Main Results:

• Fruit pulp addition affected probiotic LAB viability and altered microbiota composition, with distinct bacterial genera dominating each FM formulation.
• All FM formulations increased acetic acid, and FMB significantly boosted propionic and butyric acids.
• FM formulations reduced ammonium ions, with FMPF showing the lowest levels, suggesting improved nitrogen metabolism.

Conclusions:

• Probiotic fermented milk supplemented with fruit pulp enhances beneficial effects on the intestinal microbiota of healthy humans.
• Increased SCFA production and decreased ammonium ion levels in fruit pulp-FM suggest the presence of bioactive compounds contributing to gut health.
• Fermented milk with buriti or passion fruit pulp represents a promising functional food for modulating gut microbiota and promoting health.