administered some combinations to
mice, each containing one prebiotic (FOS, SOS, or inulin)
and one probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis,
or Lactobacillus casei). They then analyzed the amounts and
survival of each probiotic strain in fecal samples. A SOS- or
FOS-containing diet appeared to stimulate the growth of L.
acidophilus and sustain its highest level. FOS and inulin dietary
treatment exerted the same effects on B. lactis. SOS, FOS, or
inulin improved the survival and retention time of L. casei.
Such effects have also been demonstrated in humans, as the
administration of probiotic LGG with GOS was seen to significantly
increase the amount of allochtonous Lactobacillus rhamnosus
and autochthonous bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in feces
from treated children