The present invention provides a method of controlling growth of unwanted microorganisms by limiting their access to manganese. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of inhibiting or delaying growth of yeast and mold by reducing the manganese concentration in a product which is preferably a food product. The invention also provides manganese scavengers and uses thereof to inhibit or delay fungal growth.

The probiotic composition comprises at least one lactic acid bacteria strain, preferably Lactobacillus with intestinal tropism, for use in promoting juvenile growth in livestock, with stimulation of linear growth and/or of IGF-1 level. Exemplary lactic acid bacteria include Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The strains can be selected in a mouse model. The invention also relates to a probiotic treatment method using this composition.

This invention refers to a probiotic composition consisting of the bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium longum, preferably of the strains L. rhamnosus CECT8361, L. casei CECT9104 and B. longum CECT7347, and its use as an antioxidant. This composition is particularly useful in the treatment and/or prevention of damage, at the molecular level, caused by oxidative stress, preferably during high intensity physical exercise.

The present invention provides a dried fish fermentation process and a starter culture development technology. A mixed starter culture including Bifidobacterium species, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis is prepared for the mixed fermentation of a dried fish; and salt content in the dried fish is controlled to control a proportional relation of flora in the mixed starter culture and to optimize the fermentation process, thereby preparing more fresh and delicious, fishy-free, more soft and delicate dried fish. Therefore, the dried fish is more popular with consumers.

Embodiments of a method and supplement for preventing and/or treating gastrointestinal distress, including ulcer conditions, in animals such as humans are disclosed. The supplement is in a tablet or capsule form and comprises mastic gum and an emulsifying agent such as lecithin. The supplement may also comprise B vitamins, one or more prebiotics or probiotics, and one or more minerals as well as, pH buffers and flavoring. A disclosed method of preventing and/or treating gastrointestinal distress comprises orally dosing an animal such as a human with the supplement at least once daily.

Using a method for producing fermented milk containing an oligosaccharide and a lactic acid bacterium as a living bacterium that cultures the lactic acid bacterium in a medium containing the oligosaccharide and fermented milk produced by the production method, a high viable bacterial count can be maintained even during long-term preservation in the fermented milk containing the oligosaccharide and the lactic acid bacterium as a living bacterium.