1. Introduction
Probiotics are defined as live organisms that when administered in adequate amounts (>6e7 log cfu/g) confer health benefits to the host (FAO/WHO 2002). Although the functionality of the probiotics is generally strain dependent, health benefits including regulation of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulation of the immune system,reduction of serum cholesterol levels and lactose intolerance and prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease have been reported