Description
Laura Quinn, Danisco USA. Presented at the 2011 conference
Recognizing the link between diet, lifestyle and good health, consumers increasingly demand food products capable of providing health benefits beyond basic nutrition (Figure 1). Studies have shown that the consumption of certain strains of probiotics(friendly bacteria) is an essential contribution to human health and well-being. The FAO/WHO definition of probiotics states that probiotics are, “Live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” The beneficial effects of probiotics include reducing symptoms and risk factors associated with certain health conditions and maintaining or improving some of the body’s natural functions. Numerous health benefits are attributed to probiotics, the most well-established areas being gastrointestinal health and well-being and immune system modulation. Research into probiotic effects continues to reveal additional health areas. As this knowledge expands,there is growing interest in the use of probiotics for new functional food products.The trend for development of healthier confectionery products provides an opportunity for probiotics in confectionery products. Successful development of confectionery containing probiotics depends on an understanding of the critical factors for probiotic survival in confectionery applications
