Probiotic food products are regarded as a significant part of the
functional foods market, a market that is truly expanding both in
sales volume (60e70% of the total functional food market) and in
the variety of products offered (Mohammadi et al., 2012). According
to the FAO/WHO (FAO/WHO, 2006) probiotics are live microorganisms
which when administered in adequate amounts confer a
health benefit on the host. These beneficial effects are mainly
associated with the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiota and an
improvement of its resilience, as well as the modulation of lactose
intolerance, bowel function and gastrointestinal (GI) comfort,
diarrhea prevention and symptom alleviation, reduction of
cholesterol levels and hypertension, and regulation of the immune
response, amongst others