Estudo whey

Functional foods are generally described as foods that provide some health-benefits beyond traditional nutritional values. For example, probiotics and/or prebiotics may be added to foods to increase functionality. The Greek translation of Probiotic is “for life.” A probiotic is a microorganism in a food or supplement containing live microorganisms that are present in sufficient numbers to actively enhance consumers’ health by improving the balance of microflora or microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. Today probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are added to fermented foods and other foodstuffs (Aubertin, 2001). Yogurt is the most familiar product containing beneficial microorganisms. There are, however, other foods that may contain added probiotics, such as sour cream, fruit juices and buttermilk. Fermented foods, such as cheese and sauerkraut, which contain beneficial bacteria, have been a part of the human diet for centuries. Probiotics are also available in tablet, spray, capsule, or powder forms. Probiotics must be able to survive the aerobic condition of the product in which they are contained, as well as the acidic condition of the stomach. They must also be able to survive the bile levels and pancreatic secretions into the small intestine. (Shah, 2001) Probiotics may have a number of benefits. Certain probiotics have lactase activity, which is needed to properly digest lactose or milk sugar. For example, people that are lactose-intolerant may be able to eat yogurt that contains organisms that produce lactase enzymes. (Guo, 2001) Probiotics may also help keep the intestinal tract more acidic, making it difficult for disease causing organisms or pathogens to persist. Scientists agree that bacteria compete for nutrients in the intestinal tract so if probiotics are present in abundance the more virulent organisms may be crowded out. The immune system may also be stimulated by probiotics. Studies in children suggest that probiotics