Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Novel Production Protocol for Small-scale Manufacture of Probiotic Fermented Foods
Published on: September 10, 2016
Streptococcus mutans Growth Inhibition by the Probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG as an Additive to Infant
Berenice Cheng1, Jung-Wei Chen1, Zhe Zhong2
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA.
Abstract:
Probiotics have demonstrated Streptococcus mutans (SM) suppression. This in vitro study compared the SM inhibition capacity of bovine infant formula supplemented with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Gorbach Goldin (LGG) probiotic to a plain formulation.
Methods:
Two bovine-based infant formulas, Similac Advance Optigro (formula non-probiotic, FNP) and Enfamil Nutramigen LGG (formula with probiotic, FWP) were compared. The formulas were reconstituted at different concentrations (0.1×, 0.5×, 1×, and 2×). LGG (ATCC BAA-3227) suspensions were used as positive controls. All assays were inoculated with SM, spiral plated (n = 8) onto selective Mitis Salivarius Agar plates, and incubated at 37°C for 96 h. SM growth was enumerated in colony-forming units (CFU). Multivariate analysis of variance was performed to assess concentration-dependent effects and statistical significance (α = 0.05).
Results:
FWP recorded less SM growth than FNP at the 0.5×, 1.0×, and 2.0× concentrations (ANOVA p < 0.001). FWP concentration was negatively correlated to SM growth (p < 0.001, r = -0.864), whereas FNP showed strong positive trends (p < 0.001, r = 0.821). MANOVA tests confirmed that both group and concentration affect SM growth (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Commercial probiotic-enriched infant formula effectively suppresses SM growth in vitro. The observed suppression of SM growth in this study provides evidence for this dietary intervention's anticariogenic potential.
