Broccoli-oil delivery system. Co-delivery of probiotics and omega-3 oils in broccoli matrices shifts human faecal microbiota composition

The probiotics and omega-3 oil market are growing. Plant-based delivery systems for probiotics could pave the way for alternative probiotic formulations for a healthy microbiome and improved gut health. This study examined the use of broccoli puree for protecting probiotics against loss of viability to various stresses and omega-3 oils against oxidation. Different broccoli-based powder formulations containing probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG), omega-3 oil, and a combination of omega-3 oil and probiotics. Oxidative stability of powders stored at 25°C showed that broccoli-based formulations protected of agal oil against oxidation, as evidenced by the higher amount of docosahexaenoic acid remaining in the oil during storage. The broccoli matrix significantly improved the viability of probiotics during storage and simulated in vitro digestion. After 12 weeks storage at 25°C, a 3.8-4.7 log reductions in viable cells were obtained for cells carried in the two broccoli-based formulations compared to a 6.6 log reduction for free cells. After in vitro digestion, the loss in the viability of probiotics in the two broccoli-based formulations was 3.9-4.7 log, whereas those without broccoli matrix the loss was 8.2 log. Short-chain fatty acid production was increased in the presence of broccoli-based formulations during in vitro faecal fermentation and bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing analyses indicated that bacterial communities were altered. Broccoli increased the relative abundance of Coriobacteriaceae, Bacillaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Veillonellaceae and decreased Ruminococcaceae compared to control. The relatively high abundance of beneficial gut microbes and alteration in human gastrointestinal microbiota revealed that broccoli-based formulations powder has potential to act as a prebiotic and enable the delivery of synbiotic formulations.