Breath hydrogen production was used as a measure of lactose malabsorption in human test subjects following the consumption of both heated and unheated cultured yogurt. Less hydrogen was produced when the subjects consumed the unheated cultured yogurt than when they consumed the heated product, indicating that lactose hydrolysis was improved in the small intestine of the individuals consuming the unheated cultured yogurt. Lactase activity in yogurt samples was increased in the presence of bile. Yogurt starter bacteria growing in milk normally do not hydrolyze more lactose than needed for their growth. However, the increased lactase activity in the presence of bile indicates that these bacteria could function as a source of lactase to hydrolyze lactose in the small intestine even though the organisms themselves are not expected to grow in that environment.

Multiple species cultures, including 2 strains of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM plus 1 strain each of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus casei, were used to make yogurt-like products. The lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were tested for growth in the products and subsequent viability during refrigerated storage. During fermentation, L. casei Com-5 actually declined in numbers, while L. casei E5 and E10 increased about 2 fold. Numbers of B. longum S9 increased about 3 fold while B. longum Com-4 did not increase. During storage, L. acidophilus NCFM appeared stable in all mixtures and both strains of bifidobacteria decreased. Lactobacillus casei E5 and E10 were more stable than was L. casei Com-5.

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