Dietary fibers with prebiotic effect on microorganisms from the human gastrointestinal tract
Social and economic changes have been modified people’s way of life. Micronutrient deficiencies and chronic malnutrition still prevail in vulnerable individuals. Dietary fibers are considered functional food, since they help the functioning of the intestine. Their consumption must be associated with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits, which can assist in human nutrition.
Unicamp in a partnership with Embrapa and UNIRIO developed dietary fibers using a technology based on the thermoplastic extrusion of non-starch polysaccharides, which, due to their improved solubility, was able to be used by a probiotic microorganism from the human gastrointestinal tract. The modified soluble fibers developed contain a high content of dietary fibers (> 40g / 100g) and a prebiotic effect similar or superior to some commercial products. This effect was demonstrated in vitro using Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (Bb 12), a probiotic microorganism.
MAIN BENEFITS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INVENTION: