Fermentation Characteristics of Starter Cultures in Lactose-Hydrolyzed Milk for the Elderly

Lactase (β-galactosidase) is abundant in the small intestine during early childhood and gradually decreases with age. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) present in yogurt could survive in the stomach, and lactase produced by these LAB can aid in lactose breakdown in the small intestine, thereby reducing lactose intolerance. This study aims to provide preliminary data for development of lactose-free yogurts for the elderly, and investigate the effect of lactose-hydrolyzed milk on the growth of starter cultures. The pH during yogurt fermentation using lactose-free milk was slightly higher at 2 and 4 h of incubation, but reached 4.5 at the end of incubation, similar to that of the yogurt prepared from regular milk. The number of viable cells of Streptococcus thermophilus reached 108 CFU/mL after 2 h of incubation and increased to 109 CFU/mL after 4 h of incubation. During yogurt fermentation, the viable cells of Lactobacillus species and Bifidobacterium longum did not affect lactose hydrolysis. Although lactose-hydrolyzed milk did not promote the growth of starter cultures, manufacturing yogurt with lactose-free milk could be beneficial for the intestinal health of lactose-sensitive elderly.

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