Extruded non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms and their health benefits

Abstract

Compositions include probiotic microorganisms that were rendered non-replicating by extrusion. Such compositions may be used to treat or prevent disorders that are related to a compromised immune system.

The invention is claimed as follows: 
     
         1 . A composition comprising non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms, wherein the probiotic micro-organisms (i) were rendered non-replicating by direct expansion extrusion cooking at a temperature between 110 and 180° C. and at a moisture content below 20 wt. %, (ii) comprise between 10 5  and 10 9  cfu/g of the composition, and (iii) are selected from the group consisting of  Bifidobacterium longum  NCC 3001,  Bifidobacterium longum  NCC 2705,  Bifidobacterium breve  NCC 2950,  Bifidobacterium lactis  NCC 2818,  Lactobacillus johnsonii  NCC533,  Lactobacillus paracasei  NCC 2461,  Lactobacillus rhamnosus  NCC 4007,  Lactobacillus reuteri  DSM17938,  Lactobacillus reuteri  ATCC55730,  Streptococcus thermophilus  NCC 2019,  Streptococcus thermophilus  NCC 2059,  Lactobacillus casei  NCC 4006,  Lactobacillus acidophilus  NCC 3009,  Lactobacillus casei  ACA-DC 6002 (NCC 1825),  Escherichia coli  Nissle,  Lactobacillus bulgaricus  NCC 15,  Lactococcus lactis  NCC 2287, and combinations thereof,
 wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of food products, pet food products, cereals, nutritional compositions, nutraceuticals, food additives, nutritional supplements, cosmetic compositions, desserts, and combinations thereof. 
 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the probiotic micro-organisms were co-extruded with other parts of the composition. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is produced by a process comprising adding probiotic micro-organisms to a raw material by dry mixing, extruding the dry mix under water addition, and recovering the extruded material comprising the non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is produced by a process comprising adding a wet mix comprising water and probiotic micro-organisms during an extrusion step to a raw material in powder format, and recovering the extruded material comprising the non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein at least 90% of the probiotic micro-organisms are non-replicating. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the probiotic micro-organisms are  Bifidobacterium longum  NCC 3001. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the probiotic micro-organisms are selected from the group consisting of  Bifidobacterium longum  NCC 3001,  Bifidobacterium lactis  NCC 2818,  Lactobacillus johnsonii  NCC533,  Lactobacillus paracasei  NCC 2461, and combinations thereof.