Pectin in cross-linking with Ca++ also protected LGG from acidic deactivation, in contrast to its free form. Supposedly, as in acidic environment, an ion exchange reaction may occur between the chelated Ca++ and the migrated H+ ions that help to create a microenvironment within the beads, which is less acidic than outside solution. Therefore, the encapsulated LGG were more “acid-resistant” than non-capsulated LGG with pectin in the free form (Fig. 7 and Table 3).