Technological and dietetic characteristics of probiotic acidophilus milk

Abstract

Purpose

Prophylactic characteristics of plain acidophilus milk could be further enhanced with the incorporation of certain probiotic or beneficial organisms. This research undertakes to evaluate the technological and dietetic characteristics of probiotic acidophilus milk containing Bifidobacterium bifidum and Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii during storage.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of incorporation of Bifidobacterium bifidum NDRI and Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii MTCC 1371 as microbial additives during the manufacture and storage of acidophilus milk made from skimmed milk at 8±1 °C for seven days were evaluated. Probiotic acidophilus milk was evaluated on the basis of various technological (titratable acidity, volatile acidity, diacetyl and acetoin production and extent of proteolysis) and dietetic (lactic acid content, lactose hydrolyzing activity, antibacterial activity, viable population of lactobacilli, propionibacteria, bifidobacteria) characteristics.

Findings

Probiotic acidophilus milk obtained with the conjugated application of Lactobacillus acidophilus R, Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii MTCC 1371 and Bifidobacterium bifidum NDRI retained its dietetic characteristics up to seven days of storage at 8±1 °C and its consumption may be advantageous over plain acidophilus milk due to its enhanced prophylactic features.

Research limitations/implications

Mineral and vitamin estimation of probiotic acidophilus milk, animal and infant feeding trials must be conducted.

Practical implications

Conjugated application of Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii MTCC 1371 and Bifidobacterium bifidum NDRI as microbial additives during the manufacture of acidophilus milk may be suggested to enhance its prophylactic features.

Originality/value

Conjugated application of P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii MTCC 1371 and B. bifidum NDRI as microbial additives with L. acidophilus R during the manufacture of acidophilus milk is suggested to enhance the prophylactic features of plain acidophilus milk. Consumption of probiotic acidophilus milk as a dietary adjunct can be recommended.

Citation

Sarkar, S. and Misra, A.K. (2010), "Technological and dietetic characteristics of probiotic acidophilus milk", British Food Journal, Vol. 112 No. 3, pp. 275-284. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070701011029147