Matrix Effects on the Delivery Efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 on the Fecal Microbiota, Gut Transit Time, and Short Chain Fatty Acids in Healthy Young Adults

To examine the effects of delivering Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) (Log10 10 CFU/day) via a yogurt smoothie versus a capsule, we monitored the fecal microbiota. In a randomized, partially blinded, 4-period, crossover study, 36 adults were recruited, and randomly assigned to four treatments: Control yogurt smoothie (YS); Yogurt smoothie with BB-12 added pre-fermentation (PRE); Yogurt smoothie with BB-12 added post-fermentation (POST) and Capsule containing BB-12 (CAP). Participants' fecal microbiota was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing at baseline and after each intervention.