Kefir is a fermentable food, with functional characteristics, since it is a rich source of natural probiotics that confer benefits to the host's intestinal health, mainly by preventing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Our studies demonstrate benefits resulting from the consumption of kefir in rats and humans, both in isolation and in a symbiotic way. In a study with adult rats (n = 30) that during 42 days received only kefir (1mL/day of the fermented kefir drink with 1000000000 CFU/mL) or kefir symbiotically associated with yacon flour, a rich source of the prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS), improving the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, decreasing intestinal permeability, intestinal pH, and increasing levels of sIgA. The symbiotic was efficient in calcium balance and kefir proved to be effective in preventing bone resorption, reducing the levels of collagen type I (NTx) and C-telopeptide collagen type I (Ctx). Thus, kefir both isolated and inserted in a symbiotic has shown beneficial effects on intestinal and bone health, highlighting the promising use of this fermented food for the formation and maintenance of human intestinal and bone homeostasis. In order to observe these effects, in another study, kefir was inserted into a milk preparation and offered to constipated adult women (n = 12). It was observed that these women had a significant increase in the Bristol scale and a reduction in the score of the Agachan scale, according to the Roma lll criteria, confirming the effects of kefir on intestinal functionality. Furthermore, in addition to the benefits to the organism, the products developed with kefir are palatable, since in the sensory analysis, carried out with 59 adult participants, it was possible to observe an average of 7 points on the 9-point hedonic scale. In this way, kefir is a palatable fermentable probiotic that can be inserted in preparations and with promising effects on bone and, especially intestinal health.

Effects of isolated and symbiotic-associated kefir in gut and bone health

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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