The effect of non-conventional starter culture on lipid nutritional quality of fermented dairy products

Abstract

In this study, the effects of kombucha inoculum as non-conventional starter culture on fatty acids composition of fermented milk, compared to a commercial probiotic (ABT-7) and yoghurt (YF-L812) starter cultures, during 21 days of storage was investigated. Fatty acids composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after the previous extraction of lipids and derivatization. The atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI) indices determined on the basis of fatty acids composition have been used for evaluation of the nutritive lipid quality of the fermented dairy products. The most significant levels of fatty acids in fermented milk products were palmitic, followed by oleic, stearic and myristic fatty acids. Fermented milk products were characterized by low atherogenic (2.14-2.39) and thrombogenic (2.91-3.18) indices, suggesting their consumption could have a favorable effect on human health. The AI and TI were comparable during the storage of fermented milk samples. Starter culture did not affect the health-related fatty acid composition of fermented milk products during storage.