Embodiments of a method and supplement for preventing and/or treating gastrointestinal distress, including ulcer conditions, in animals are disclosed. The supplement is in a gel 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 with the gel at least once daily.

The present invention concerns a lactic composition useful for the prevention or treatment of diarrhea such as antibiotic associated diarrhea or tourists. The composition according to the invention contains at least a bacterial strain selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus I-1492, Lactobacillus casei and a mixture of thereof.

Embodiments of a method and supplement for preventing and/or treating gastrointestinal distress, including ulcer conditions, in animals are disclosed. The supplement 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 with the supplement at least one daily.

The present invention relates to microparticles, methods of producing microparticles and microparticle precursor compositions. In particular, it relates to microparticles comprising a protective matrix and a protective matrix precursor composition comprising a blend of a denatured protein, a polyol plasticizer, trehalose and a carrier.

The present invention relates to microparticles, methods of producing microparticles and microparticle precursor compositions. In particular, it relates to microparticles comprising a protective matrix and a protective matrix precursor composition comprising a blend of a denatured protein, a polyol plasticizer, trehalose and a carrier.

The present invention provides a stable liquid syrup composition compositions comprising probiotic bacteria, retaining their cellular viability at ambient storage conditions for at least two years.

Provided is a method for manufacturing a fermented milk product, including sequentially performing a first step of mixing raw material milk and lactic acid bacteria to obtain a mixed liquid, and a second step of fermenting the mixed liquid, characterized by performing a step of adding a Paenibacillus-derived protease to the raw material milk and/or the mixed liquid (protease addition step) before the second step is completed. According to this manufacturing method, the hardness of the fermented milk product can be adjusted to a desired value while original smoothness of the fermented milk product is maintained.

The strain Lactobacillus casei AH077 (NCIMB12019) produces a polysaccharide and increases energy excretion. The strain acts to block fat absorption and is used in the prevention or treatment of obesity and obesity-related metabolic syndrome.

A dry stable composition is provided. The composition comprises one or more viable microorganisms, at least 50% by weight of one or more hydrolyzed proteins and less than 10% by weight of one or more sugars selected from the group consisting of monosaccharides, disaccharides and combinations thereof, each weight percentage based on the total weight of the dry composition. Preferably, the composition comprises no monosaccharide or disaccharide. The composition may further comprise one or more oligosaccharides, one or more polysaccharides, one or more carboxylic acid salts, or a combination thereof. The composition may have viability of at least 110.sup.10 CFU/g, and a viability loss of less than 1 log unit/g after 84 days at a temperature of 40 C. and a relative humidity of 33%. Also provided are methods for preparing the dry stable composition.

The present invention concerns a lactic composition useful for the prevention or treatment of diarrhea such as antibiotic associated diarrhea or tourists. The composition according to the invention contains at least a bacterial strain selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus I-1492, Lactobacillus casei and a mixture of thereof.