Presence Of Fructooligosaccharides Research Articles

Effect of fructooligosaccharides in full-hydrated lactic acid bacteria membrane models during thermal stress: A molecular simulation study.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a promising choice for cryoprotection of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). However, the mechanism by which this protection takes place is not well understood. Molecular simulation is a key tool for gathering insights into complex physicochemical problems like this. Existing computational studies on this topic only deal with Gram-negative bacterial membranes and disaccharides, a picture which is far from real preservation conditions involving LAB. We have used all-atom molecular dynamics simulations at different temperatures to investigate the interaction between a FOS mixture and membranes whose composition is meant to mimic three LAB strains of industrial relevance. It was concluded that the presence of FOS helps to preserve the membrane by reducing phase transition hysteresis and attenuating changes in area per lipid, thickness and lipid order upon cooling. Furthermore, a migration of FOS molecules towards the bulk region in concurrence with the migration of water molecules towards the membrane surface was identified. These findings support the exclusion hypothesis, which has been proposed to explain the mechanism of sugar-membrane interaction.

Co-encapsulation of probiotic bacteria and fructooligosaccharides in basil seed gum-stabilized double emulsion gels: Probiotic viability and physicochemical properties

Double emulsions (DEs) present many potential applications for encapsulating and protecting probiotics. However, their high instability limit their real applications. To improve the prolonged stability of DEs, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus gasseri were separately co-encapsulated together in the presence of fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) and basil seed gum (BSG) within the internal (W1) and external (W2) aqueous phases of double emulsion gels (DEGs; W1-sol/O/W2-gel). Physical properties of DEGs, and viability of probiotics during heat processing, gastrointestinal digestion and storage were evaluated. Appropriate physical stability was observed during storage for 28 d at 4 ± 2 °C. The FOSs and microorganism type showed not effect on the droplet size (10.63 to 10.47 µm). Turbidimetry, physical stability, and morphological studies revealed the formation of aggregated droplets after 3 weeks. All DEGs presented high (>90 %) encapsulation efficiency. The viability of microencapsulated probiotics over time (14.89–14.08 %) and against simulated gastrointestinal conditions was higher than that of free cells. The encapsulation of bacteria in W1 in the presence of FOSs led to a significant improvement of viability against heat (only 1.35 % to 6.83 % reduction at 72 °C). L. gasseri showed a higher stability against environmental conditions. Finally, BSG-stabilized DEGs can be considered for increasing the viability of probiotic in functional foods.

Effect of fat replacement in high internal phase emulsions constructed by high temperature saccharification of grafted proteins on gel properties and flavor profiles of sausages

In order to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with excessive saturated fatty acid intake, utilizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) as a substitute for animal fat in producing high-quality fat-substituted meat products is an ideal approach. This study involves the preparation of glycosylation products of egg white protein (EWP) through saccharification at high temperatures in the presence of fructooligosaccharides (FO). The resulting glycation products of EWP were employed to create colloidal particles, forming HIPEs, which were further utilized to induce the formation of HIPEs gels (HIPEs-Gs). The study investigated the effects of substituting different ratios (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of animal fat with HIPEs and HIPEs-Gs on the gel properties and flavor characteristics of sausages. Results showed that, compared to the control group, substituting fat with HIPEs significantly improved the gel properties, cooking yield, and G' of sausages, while excessive HIPEs-Gs substitution yielded negative effects. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance results also demonstrated that adding HIPEs improved water and oil distribution in the sausage batter, enhancing protein's binding capacity with water. Scanning electron microscope revealed that HIPEs substitution led to a denser gel network with smaller pores, effectively "locking in" more water. Analysis of volatile compounds indicated accelerated release of aromatic compounds, alkanes, sulfides, and lipids when fat was substituted with HIPEs and HIPEs-Gs. Electronic tongue analysis suggested that HIPEs-Gs substitution reduced response values for umami and saltiness. In conclusion, compared to HIPEs-Gs, using HIPEs as a fat substitute improves the quality of sausages.

Preliminary Findings on the Effects of High Intakes of Fructose and Galactose With or Without Fructooligosaccharides on Inflammatory Markers and Blood Lipid in Rats

Abstract Objectives A high intake of sugars is associated with adverse metabolic effects in animal models and humans. However, little is known about the potential of simultaneously ingested dietary fibers to attenuate the negative effects of sugars. The current study thus aimed to investigate the effects of high intakes of fructose or galactose with or without fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on inflammation and blood lipids in rats. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats (6/group) were fed a control diet (5% fat, 35% starch) or isocaloric Western-type diets as follows: positive control (20% fat, 35% starch), fructose (20% fat, 10% starch, 25% fructose), galactose (20% fat, 10% starch, 25% galactose), FOS control (20% fat, 30% starch, 10% FOS), fructose + FOS (20% fat, 5% starch, 25% fructose, 10% FOS), and galactose + FOS (20% fat, 5% starch, 25% galactose, 10% FOS). After 8 weeks, rats were sacrificed after an overnight fast and blood and tissue samples collected and stored at −80°C until analyses. Results No differences in body weight gain, fasting blood glucose, markers of systemic (CRP, TNFα, LPS) or hepatic inflammation (TNFα), or blood lipids were observed between groups. The presence of FOS in the diets significantly reduced feed intake compared to the respective starch control group, but not compared to the isocaloric diets containing only the sugars. Conclusions These preliminary results suggest that fructose and galactose, even at high doses in the diet for 8 weeks, do not affect systemic inflammation or blood lipids in rats. Hence, no attenuating effect of the simultaneous intake of FOS could be observed. Funding Sources This project was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the JPI HDHL-INTIMIC 2019 program.

Intestinal microbiota and immunity. Possibilities of multistrain probiotics in the correction of immune status in children

On the basis of the analysis of foreign and Russian scientific studies the current data on the role of the intestinal microbiota in the formation of immunity and changes in its qualitative composition in the formation of various diseases are presented: For example, a decrease or absence of Helicobacter pylori is associated with bronchial asthma and reflux esophagitis in childhood, a change in Firmicutes/Actinobacteria ratio in psoriasis, and Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio in the gastrointestinal tract in obesity, inflammatory bowel diseases are accompanied by an increase in Enterobacteriaceae, functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract by a growth of Veillonella bacteria. The article shows the mechanisms of influence of the microbiota of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts on reducing the frequency of repeated infections by induction of antiviral defense genes, which in studies of probiotic therapy is confirmed by significant clinical effects. A discussion of the benefits of multistrain probiotics with comprehensive effects on the intestinal microbiota is provided. The importance of including probiotic strains in the complex therapy of acute respiratory infections is confirmed by the studies proving their positive effect on the child’s immunity, reducing the severity of the disease and the frequency of complications and relapses. The results of modern scientific research prove the importance of the optimal ratio of probiotic strains in the combination of lactoand bifidobacteria, as well as their strain specificity. The article presents information on a synbiotic created using an innovative protective technology of each sachet microgranule including a combination of 9 probiotic strains of lactoand bifidobacteria. The presence of fructooligosaccharide in the prebiotic component enhances the effect of the probiotic component.

Fructosyltransferase and inulinase production by indigenous coprophilous fungi for the biocatalytic conversion of sucrose and inulin into oligosaccharides

There is a great interest in prebiotics consumptions eminence by their health promoting properties and economic market value. Filamentous fungi have been implicated as the key producers of fructosyltransferase (Ftase) and inulinase for synthesis of fructooligosaccharides (FOSs), which is used as a bioactive ingredient in functional foods. In this study, sixty-one indigenous coprophilous fungal strains were isolated, purified to monoculture and investigated for their potential use in biotransformation of sucrose and inulin into fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) and inulooligosaccharides (IOSs) by producing Ftase and inulinase enzymes, respectively. The molecular identification by 18S rDNA sequencing and morpho-taxonomic keys revealed that axenic fungal strains belonged to the genera Aspergillus, Neocosmospora, Trichoderma, Mucor and Fusarium. The crude enzyme extract from the isolates showed hydrolysis zones of 15–30 mm on the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) and Lugol's iodine solution assay plates confirming the Ftase and inulinase activities, respectively. The submerged culture filtrates of eight fungal isolates showed high Ftase activity while six different fungal isolates exhibited high inulinase activity. The reaction products analysed with thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with refractive index detection indicated the presence of FOSs and IOSs. The strains isolated in this study have potential biotechnological implications to produce FOSs and IOSs.

FUNCTIONAL EDIBLE COATINGS FOR DRIED GUAVA (Psidium guajava L.) SLICES

Edible coating is an economical and effective approach towards maintaining the quality of minimally processed fruits, this concept was applied in the storage of dried guava slices. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of polysaccharide- and gelatin-based coatings in improving the storage quality of the dried guava slices. Sodium alginate (polysaccharide) and gelatin (protein) were used as the base for this model study, additives such as citric acid and fructooligosaccharide were added. Dried guava slices produced with different edible coatings were stored at 24 and 37.5°C, the browning intensity, antioxidant stability and total plate count in the formulations were monitored for 8 weeks. Browning intensity in dried guava slices was less pronounced when citric acid and fructooligosaccharide were combined and incorporated into the sodium alginate- and gelatin-based formulations (p<0.05). The same combination of ingredients helped in maintaining the antioxidant stability in the dried guava slices with gelatin-based coating. While presence of fructooligosaccharide in both of the sodium alginate- and gelatin-based formulations lowered the microbial load during the storage period (p<0.05). These findings suggest a combination of citric acid and fructooligosaccharide could be an ingredient with multi-functional effects in preserving the quality of dried guava slices.

Separation of Fructose and Glucose via Nanofiltration in Presence of Fructooligosaccharides.

Fructose and glucose are commonly present together in mixtures and may need to be separated. Current separation methods for these isomers are complex and costly. Nanofiltration is a cost-effective method that has been widely used for separating carbohydrates of different sizes; however, it is not commonly used for such similar molecules. Here, we report the separation of fructose and glucose in a nanofiltration system in the presence of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Experiments were performed using a pilot-scale filtration setup using a spiral wound nanofiltration membrane with molecular weight cutoff of 1 kDa. We observed three important factors that affected the separation: (1) separation of monosaccharides only occurred in the presence of FOS and became more effective when FOS dominated the solution; (2) better separation was achieved when the monosaccharides were mainly fructose; and (3) the presence of salt improved the separation only moderately. The rejection ratio (Rf/Rg) in a fructose/glucose mixture is 0.92. We reported a rejection ratio of 0.69, which was observed in a mixture of 50 g/L FOS with a fructose to glucose ratio of 4.43. The separation is hypothesized to occur due to selective transport in the FOS layer, resulting in a preferential binding towards fructose.

Cereal Grains for Nutrition and Health

Cereal Grains for Nutrition and Health

A polyphasic approach to characterize Weissella cibaria and Weissella confusa strains.

To study Weissella cibaria and Weissella confusa strains, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) members naturally present in food products, but not yet included in Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) list of European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). We carried out a comparative genome analysis of 23 sequenced W. cibaria and 7 W. confusa genomes, in parallel with a physiological and functional characterization of several strains previously isolated from sourdough-like maize bran fermentation. The genome analysis revealed the absence of dedicated pathogenicity factors. Some putative virulence genes found in Weissella genomes were also present in other LAB strains, considered safe by EFSA and commonly used as probiotics. The physiological tests carried out on our strains corroborated the genomic results. Moreover, the following functional traits of interest to application in the food sector were identified: the majority of tested strains displayed high acidification rate, high reducing ability, production of exopolysaccharides (EPS), arabinoxylan degradation ability, growth in the presence of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), bile and gastric juice tolerance, and antifungal activity. These results provide evidence for the possible use of selected strains of W. cibaria and W. confusa in the food sector. This polyphasic study adds to the body of knowledge on the functional and applicable characteristics of these controversial species of LAB. This knowledge contributes to design new selected cultures included in the QPS list required for food applications.

Measurement of available carbohydrates, digestible, and resistant starch in food ingredients and products

AbstractBackground and objectivesThe importance of selectively measuring available and unavailable carbohydrates in the human diet has been recognized for over 100 years. The levels of available carbohydrates in diets can be directly linked to major diseases of the Western world, namely Type II diabetes and obesity. Methodology for measurement of total carbohydrates by difference was introduced in the 1880s, and this forms the basis of carbohydrate determination in the United States. In the United Kingdom, a method to directly measure available carbohydrates was introduced in the 1920s to assist diabetic patients with food selection. The aim of the current work was to develop simple, specific, and reliable methods for available carbohydrates and digestible starch (and resistant starch). The major component of available carbohydrates in most foods is digestible starch.FindingsSimple methods for the measurement of rapidly digested starch, slowly digested starch, total digestible starch, resistant starch, and available carbohydrates have been developed, and the digestibility of phosphate cross‐linked starch has been studied in detail. The resistant starch procedure developed is an update of current procedures and incorporates incubation conditions with pancreatic α‐amylase (PAA) and amyloglucosidase (AMG) that parallel those used AOAC Method 2017.16 for total dietary fiber. Available carbohydrates are measured as glucose, fructose, and galactose, following complete and selective hydrolysis of digestible starch, maltodextrins, maltose, sucrose, and lactose to glucose, fructose, and galactose. Sucrose is hydrolyzed with a specific sucrase enzyme that has no action on fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS).ConclusionsThe currently described “available carbohydrates” method together with the total dietary fiber method (AOAC Method 2017.16) allows the measurement of all carbohydrates in food products, including digestible starch.Significance and noveltyThis paper describes a simple and specific method for measurement of available carbohydrates in cereal, food, and feed products. This is the first method that provides the correct measurement of digestible starch and sucrose in the presence of FOS. Such methodology is essential for accurate labeling of food products, allowing consumers to make informed decisions in food selection.

Application of lactobacilli and prebiotic oligosaccharides for the development of a synbiotic semi-hard cheese

The aim of this study was to test the compatibility of two selected Lactobacillus strains with different prebiotic carbohydrates in order to develop a synbiotic cheese. Initially, the growth of the probiotic lactobacilli with the prebiotic formulations was monitored in optimized growth medium and in milk. Afterwards, semi-hard cheeses were manufactured with the selected combination of Lb. paracasei INIA P272 and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). Results showed that the addition of FOS did not affect Lb. paracasei viability in the cheese after 28 days of ripening, but a higher viability of this strain was achieved in the presence of FOS when cheese was tested in a colonic model. Thus, the inclusion of FOS in the cheese could have a beneficial effect by increasing the probiotic strain viability in the host.

Synbiotic combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCDC 298 and short chain fructooligosaccharides prevents enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection

This study aimed to examine the role of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin and maltodextrin as prebiotics on aggregation characteristics of putative probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCDC 298 strain. Same prebiotics were assessed alone for their anti-adhesive effect against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) followed by its synergistic synbiotic effect on ETEC virulence to HT-29 intestinal cell lines. The effect of prebiotics on autoaggregation and coaggregation property of probiotic strain was studied by comparing absorbance over an interval of time. FOS was found to enhance autoaggregation and coaggregation characteristics of L. rhamnosus NCDC 298 with ETEC. Anti-adherence effect of prebiotics towards ETEC was determined by cultural method. Adherence inhibition percentage was occurred maximum in presence of inulin followed by FOS, having non-significant relationship in-between. Synergistic effect of both probiotics and prebiotics against ETEC virulence were seen by comparing cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) levels with controls. Significant decrease in both the cyclic nucleotides were recorded in presence of FOS with L. rhamnosus NCDC 298. Fructooligosaccharide influenced adhesion characteristics of L. rhamnosus NCDC 298 with anti-virulence activity against ETEC, both alone and as synbiotic combination. Hence this combination can be further used to develop prophylactic anti-diarrheal formulation.

Enhancing oxidative stress resistance in Bifidobacterium thermophilum using a novel overexpression vector and transformation protocol

Bifidobacterium thermophilum is encountered in the GI-tract of pigs and infants. Here we provide a transformation protocol for B. thermophilum and a novel expression vector for this species. The protocol resulted in transformation rates of 1×103 transformed cells per μg DNA. Transformation was shown to be dependent on the presence of fructo-oligosaccharides during growth, polyethylene glycol in the electroporation buffer, and on methylation of the vector.The Escherichia coli - B. thermophilum shuttle vector pLFB1012 for heterologous gene expression was constructed harbouring the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter from Bifidobacterium longum (Pgap). Activity of the β-glucoronidase gene gusA under control of Pgap could be detected at a 20-fold higher rate compared to the wild type, showing activity of the promoter in B. thermophilum. Thereafter, the B. longum gene bl_1404, previously proposed to be involved in oxidative stress resistance, was cloned under control of the Pgap. The wild type cell numbers of B. thermophilum RBL 67 decreased at least 9 log after a 20-mM H2O2 treatment for 60min whereas the mutant strain expressing bl_1404 showed an increased survival of 2 logs compared to the wild type strain. To our knowledge this is the first report on transformation of B. thermophilum. Further, it is shown that pLFB1002 is suitable for engineering B. thermophilum and that bl_1404 from B. longum is involved in peroxide resistance in bifidobacteria.

Membrane Lipid Replacement: Clinical Studies Using a Natural Medicine Approach to Restoring Membrane Function and Improving Health

Functional oral supplements containing cell membrane glycerolphospholipids and antioxidants have been used to safely replace damaged membrane lipids that accumulate during aging and in various clinical conditions. This approach differs from other dietary and intravenous interventions in the composition of phospholipids and the presence of fructooligosaccharides that protect the phospholipids against oxidation and bile and enzymatic damage. Various chronic clinical conditions are characterized by membrane phospholipid oxidative damage, resulting in loss of cellular function. Recent clinical trials have shown the benefits of Membrane Lipid Replacement in replenishing damaged membrane lipids and restoring mitochondrial function, resulting in reductions in fatigue in aged subjects and patients with a variety of clinical diagnoses. Recent in vitro experiments with nonphysiological concentrations of phospholipids did not result in enhancement of mitochondrial electron transport enzyme activities. This can be explained by the use of the wrong phospholipid fatty acids, over-dilution of membrane constituents and mitochondrial swelling. A similar phenomenon was seen when human sperm were incubated in vitro with high concentrations of glycerolphospholipids and their motility was assessed. Only lower, more physiological concentrations of glycerolphospholipids stimulated sperm motility. Additional studies are needed to determine the functional effects of Membrane Lipid Replacement on other cellular membranes, such as the plasma membrane and other intracellular membranes of various cells and tissues.

In vitro fermentation of prebiotic carbohydrates by intestinal microbiota in the presence of Lactobacillus amylovorus DSM 16998.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the assimilation of the prebiotics fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and Konjac glucomannan oligosaccharides (KGMO) by three human (H1, H2 and H3) and pig (P1, P2 and P3) faecal microbiotas in the presence of the potentially probiotic strain Lactobacillus amylovorus DSM 16698, using an in vitro batch fermentation model. Total bacteria and L. amylovorus populations were quantified using qPCR and biochemical features (pH, production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), lactate, ammonia, and carbohydrate assimilation) were determined. L. amylovorus did not have a competitive advantage under in vitro conditions, reflected by its reduced relative abundance during fermentation despite the carbohydrate sources added. Pig microbiota sustained more stable probiotic counts. Intermittently produced lactate was possibly assimilated by the microbiota and converted to other SCFA as the carbohydrates were assimilated, with H3 probably having a methanogenic metabolism with high lactate and acetate consumption except in the presence of FOS, which assimilation resulted in the highest total SCFA for this volunteer. Addition of FOS also resulted in lower pH and ammonia, which might have been used as nitrogen source by pig microbiota. KGMO needed longer fermentation periods to be completely assimilated by both human and porcine faecal microbiotas. Overall, our results reinforce the notion that care must be taken when generalising the effects claimed for a given probiotic or potentially probiotic strain, including the combination with different prebiotic substrates, since they may vary considerably among individuals, which is important when studying potentially pro- and prebiotic combinations for application as functional foods and feed ingredients.

Producto potencialmente simbiótico a partir de mora de castilla (Rubus glaucus) aplicando impregnación a vacío

The aim of this study was to develop a product potentially symbiotic by applying vacuum impregnating over Andean blackberry slices immersed in three solutions: a solution of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), natural blackberry juice, and a mixture of fruit juice and solution of FOS, inoculated with Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 with 109 UCF/mL. The blackberry slices impregnated with the mixture of fruit juice and FOS, and with just the FOS solution, they were found to contain 108 UCF/g and over 0.0022 g of FOS per 100g of impregnated sample after being stored for 72 hours under refrigeration conditions. The results indicate that the presence of FOS in the impregnation solution increases the viability of the microorganisms and it can be concluded that it is feasible to obtain a potentially symbiotic food from Andean blackberry by means of the impregnation of its porous matrix with beneficial microorganisms and prebiotic substances.

Synbiotic yogurt consumption by healthy adults and the elderly: the fate of bifidobacteria and LGG probiotic strain

Synbiotic dietary supplements are used to modulate the intestinal microbiota in adults; however, studies regarding elderly people are limited. The aim of this work is to determine the effect of regular consumption of yogurt containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and the fructooligosaccharide (FOS) Actilight® both in healthy adults and the elderly suffering from constipation. Yogurt was administered daily for 4 weeks; faecal samples were collected before starting, after 4-week administration and a 15-day wash out period, and analyzed for LGG and bifidobacteria counts. Constipation status in the elderly was recorded by a standardized questionnaire. Bifidobacteria did not increase in either groups; at the end of the intervention trial, LGG was detected in significantly different amount in the faeces of the elderly and adults, being higher in adults (95% vs. 30%). An increased evacuation number in the elderly was evidenced, probably due to the presence of FOS in yogurt.

Strategies to augment non-immune system based defence mechanisms against gastrointestinal diseases in pigs

Our study addresses the first two weeks of the weaning period of piglets during which stressful physiological and environmental conditions experienced by the animals can promote the proliferation of pathogens in the digestive tract. The aim of the study was to identify new feeding strategies that result in boosting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota of piglets and improve growth performance, reducing the negative impact of weaning. In order to identify a new synbiotic combination, 12 new putative probiotic strains of Bifidobacterium spp. and three non-digestible oligosaccharides [NDO] were screened in newly weaned piglets. The ability to increase the level of autochthonous bifidobacteria and improve growth performance were assessed. Bifidobacteria strains with a similar ability to develop in the hindgut showed a different effect on piglet performance depending on the dose in which they were provided. Our data support the idea that the presence of fructo-oligosaccharides would stimulate the occurrence of bifidobacteria in the caecum. It was shown that dietary intake of nitrate can generate salivary nitrite, which in turn is acidified in the stomach and could have antimicrobial activity against swallowed pathogens. The efficacy of the resulting synbiotic formula was improved by adding nitrate as antimicrobial. To enhance probiotic survival during gastric transit, a novel technology of microencapsulation was developed and applied to bacteria. The final synbiotic, containing the strain RA 18 of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis [10 11cfu/day], the prebiotic Actilight ® [4% of the diet], and nitrate [150 mg KNO 3/kg feed/day] was tested in organic weaned piglets reared under field conditions. Results show that the strain Ra 18 had a probiotic effect in organic weaned piglets, as it colonized and remained detectable in faecal samples until two weeks after addition. The use of our synbiotic formula improved weight gain, feed efficiency and health status of the weaned piglets.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity and bioconversion of isoflavones by probiotics in soymilk supplemented with prebiotics

Lactobacillus sp. FTDC 2113, L. acidophilus FTDC 8033, L. acidophilus ATCC 4356, L. casei ATCC 393, Bifidobacterium FTDC 8943 and B. longum FTDC 8643 were incorporated into soymilk supplemented with fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin, mannitol, maltodextrin and pectin. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of prebiotics on the bioactivity of probiotic-fermented soymilk. Proteolytic activity was increased in the presence of FOS, while the supplementation of inulin and pectin increased the angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity accompanied by lower IC50 values. The β-glucosidase activity was also enhanced in the presence of pectin. This led to higher bioconversion of glucosides to aglycones by probiotics, especially genistin and malonyl genistin to genistein. Results from this study indicated that the supplementation of prebiotics enhanced the in-vitro antihypertensive effect and production of bioactive aglycones in probiotic-fermented soymilk. Therefore, this soymilk could potentially be used as a dietary therapy to reduce the risks of hypertension and hormone-dependent diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and osteoporosis.