Fig. 3 shows that the viable cell counting in L. paracasei remained constant throughout the product storage period in the
probiotic and symbiotic formulations. Similarly, the total fructans content did not vary in the symbiotic formulation (6.5 g/100 g) during storage. These data confirm the non-utilization of FOS by L. paracasei. Consumption of FOS by probiotic microorganisms during storage is undesirable in a product because it reduces its prebiotic potential and may promote sensory changes resulting from the fermentation of fructans (Buriti, Castro, & Saad, 2010). Buriti et al. (2007) report similar results in cream cheese containing L. paracasei when the probiotic microorganismwas not able to degrade fructans. These authors conclude that storage at low temperatures, required for the preservation of dairy products, is not
favorable to the consumption of fructans by L. paracasei, whose
optimal growth temperature is usually at 37 C. However, studies
with different species of the Lactobacillus genus verified that FOS
favorably contributed to the continuous increase of viable probiotic
cells during refrigerated storage of curd containing Lactobacillus
acidophilus (Rodrigues et al., 2011), and fermented soy milk containing
L. acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus
rhamnosus