Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactobacillus spp. selective prebiotic composition comprising one, or a mixture of two or more, of: xylooligosaccharides, cellobiose and/or gentiooligosaccharides. The present invention also relates to a synbiotic composition comprising a probiotic component comprising one or more strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and/or one or more strains of Lactobacillus plantarum and a prebiotic component comprising a growth medium which is specific for the growth of the probiotic component, wherein the prebiotic growth medium comprises one or more, or a mixture of two of more, components selected from: xylooligosaccharides, cellobiose and/or gentiooligosaccharides. The present invention also relates to methods of producing and selecting such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prebiotic composition comprising a galacto oligosaccharide (GOS) produced from Lactobacillus plantarum, wherein the GOS acts as a selective growth medium for a chosen Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic bacterial strain, and wherein the GOS is substantially the same as the form produced by reverse ?-galactosidase reaction in the chosen probiotic bacterial strain. The present invention also relates to methods of producing GOS and related composition incorporating the GOS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-digestible prebiotic oligosaccharide modified so as to incorporate one or more monosaccharide units thereon and have a higher sweetness value than the unmodified oligosaccharide. Uses and methods of producing the non-digestible prebiotic oligosaccharides are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising Lactobacillus plantarum 2830 (ECGC 13110402), or mutant strain or strains thereof, for use in the treatment or prevention of hypercholesterolaemia, and in particular reducing the total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, in an individual. Specific dosage regimes and methods of production are also claimed and described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for weight management comprising: a) a microbiome modifying component; b) a satiety modifying component; and c) a metabolic modifying component. The composition may also be used for the treatment of obesity, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension or heart disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use and formulation as weight management products and in particular fermented dairy foodstuffs. The compositions generally comprise two or more of the following components: a) a microbiome modifying component; b) a satiety modifying component; and c) a metabolic modifying 5 component and at least one of the following: d) Streptococcus thermophilus CBS 139100 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CBS 139099 microbial strains or mutant strains or fragments or fractions thereof; e) a combination of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus microbial strains which together, or individually, are capable of secreting polysaccharides having high levels of galactosamine 10 and no or low levels of rhamnose and glucuronic acid when grown on a dairy substrate; or f) polysaccharides formed of: i) 15-25% galactosamine; ii) 45-60% galactose; and iii) 20-30% glucose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to strain of Lactobacilli and compositions containing the strain for use in modifying the absorption of cholesterol in an individual or the treatment of heart disease, diabetes or obesity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prebiotic composition comprising a microbially produced oligosaccharide, wherein the oligosaccharide is characterized by being selective for a pre-determined probiotic bacterial strain and also capable of being produced by the pre-determined probiotic bacteria by reverse enzyme action. The present invention also relates to methods of screening a composition suitable for use as a prebiotic and methods for screening of prebiotics for incorporation into synbiotic formulations.