Prebiotic potential of natural gums and starch for bifidobacteria of variable origins

In conclusion, 114 strains of human and animal origin (37 bifidobacterial species and subspecies) were able to utilize starch. Compared to that, mostly bifidobacteria of the animal origin were able to utilize a wider range of available natural substrates compared to the human bifidobacteria. In total, 29 strains were able to use NGs (10 species and subspecies). Most often used locust bean, guar, tragacanth, and arabic gums represent possible prebiotic sources for bifidobacteria in animal nutrition, ideally in synbiotic applications. Natural food thickeners were found to be useful potential prebiotics. However, a suitable combination with probiotic Bifidobacterium strains is required.Graphical abstract
Source: Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre - Category: Food Science Source Type: research