Abstract: Compositions useful in the treatment of dietary disorders, and as dietary additives to provide a source of fiber and of short chain fatty acids, to reduce the level of serum cholesterol, increase HDL cholesterol levels and as bulking agents in humans and animals, as well as methods of use therefor are described. The compositions and methods are based on whole .beta.-glucans.

Abstract: A must is fermented with a combination of at least one yeast and at least one lactobacillus, the former being selected from the group of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis and the latter being selected from the group of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus hilgardii for their symbiotic ability and capability to produce a synergistic organoleptic effect which eliminates all after-taste of yeast. The must is inoculated such that the respective numbers of yeast germs and lactobacilli germs per ml have a ratio of from 1:10 to 1:500.