Development of a synbiotic product for newborns and infants

The capability of ten commercial fibers of selectively stimulating the growth of four Bifidobacterium strains were studied with the purpose of developing a synbiotic product for infants. Two galactooligosaccharides (GOS), one fructo-oligosaccharide (sc-FOS), four inulins with different polymerization degree (DP), a gluco-oligosaccharide, an arabinogalactan and a hydrolyzed guar gum were used (10 gl1). The prebiotic score was calculated comparing the capability of the fibers of stimulating the growth of bifidobacteria compared to infant pathogens. GOS, sc-FOS, low DP inulin (oligofructose) and the glucooligosaccharide could stimulate growth. However, the fibers showing the highest prebiotic score were oligofructose (Orafti®HIS), sc-FOS (Actilight®950P) and the GOS Vivinal®. Lyophilized strain survival in simulated gastro-intestinal conditions was also assayed to define suitable ways of administration. Survival in gastric juice at pH 2.5 was poor, whereas it was higher at pH 4, a value closer to newborn pH. Microencapsulation in a lipid matrix ensured strain survival also at pH 2.5. Survival to 1 gl1 bile salts was acceptable. The results allowed to conclude that Bifidobacterium breve B632 strain, in a lyophilized or microencapsulated form, has the potential for use in synbiotic products targeted to infants coupled to a mixture of GOS and FOS or oligofructose.