Enzyme and prebiotic combinations for enhancing probiotic efficacy
This disclosure relates to enhancing growth and/or activity of lactobacilli using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and α-galactosidase; and to enhancing growth and/or activity of bifidobacteria using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and β-glucanase. Other combinations of fibers and enzymes are described below which also stimulate growth and activity of lactobacilli or bifidobacteria . These combinations of enzymes and prebiotics can be taken separately or added to foods, including desserts.
1. A formulation for enhancing lactobacillus growth or activity in vivo consisting of α-galactosidase and isomalto-oligosaccharide.
2. The formulation of claim 1 wherein the lactobacillus species is Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
3. A formulation for enhancing bifidobacterium growth or activity in vivo consisting of β-glucanase and isomalto-oligosaccharide.
4. The formulation of claim 3 wherein the bifidobacterium species is Bifidobacterium lactis (strain BL-04 or Bi-07) or Bifidobacterium breve.
5. A formulation for enhancing lactobacillus and bifidobacterium growth or activity in vivo consisting of α-galactosidase, β-glucanase and isomalto-oligosaccharide.
6. The formulation of claim 5 wherein lactobacillus species is Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus rhamnosus and the bifidobacterium species is Bifidobacterium lactis (strain BL-04 or Bi-07) or Bifidobacterium breve.