Probiotic dairy products for the elderly: effect of dairy matrix on the resistance of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus to in vitro digestion

• Grant number: 25/02999-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Technology
• Principal Investigator: Débora Parra Baptista Freitas
• Grantee: Lucas Lataro Xavier
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos (FEA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/17153-9 - In vitro evaluation of the effect of milk processing on digestion as a tool for the development of dairy products for the elderly, AP.R

Abstract

The aging process is associated with several changes in our body, including changes in the digestive process and intestinal microbiota. Studies suggest that the consumption of probiotic dairy products may contribute to the health of elderly individuals by favoring the modulation of the gut microbiota, helping combat infections, and preventing non-communicable chronic diseases. However, for probiotics present in the food matrix to exert their function in the intestinal microbiota modulation, these microorganisms need to resist the digestive process. In this context, this project aims to evaluate the effect of the structure of the dairy matrix on the resistance of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus to digestion using an in vitro protocol that simulates the digestive conditions of elderly individuals. (AU)