Infant cereal comprising non-replicating probiotic microorganisms

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of infant cereals. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of infant cereals that can be used to strengthen the immune system of the infant and/or that can be used to treat or prevent inflammatory disorders. For example these benefits can be provided by probiotic micro-organisms. An embodiment of the present invention relates to an infant cereal comprising non-replicating probiotic-micro-organisms, for example bioactive heat treated probiotic micro-organisms.

The invention is claimed as follows: 
     
         1 . A method for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory disorders comprising the step of administering a composition comprising at least 0.48 g/100 kJ of a protein source, not more than 1.1 g/100 kJ of a lipid source, a carbohydrate source and non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms to an individual in need of same. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the probiotic micro-organisms are subjected to a heat treatment at about 71.5-150° C. for about 1-120 seconds. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the probiotic micro-organisms are selected from the group consisting of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, propionibacteria, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the probiotic micro-organisms are selected from the group consisting of  Bifidobacterium longum  NCC 3001,  Bifidobacterium longum  NCC 2705,  Bifidobacterium breve  NCC 2950,  Bifidobacterium lactis  NCC 2818,  Lactobacillus johnsonii  La1 , Lactobacillus paracasei  NCC 2461,  Lactobacillus rhamnosus  NCC 4007,  Lactobacillus reuteri  DSM17938,  Lactobacillus reuteri  ATCC55730,  Streptococcus thermophilus  NCC 2019,  Streptococcus thermophilus  NCC 2059,  Lactobacillus casei  NCC 4006,  Lactobacillus acidophilus  NCC 3009,  Lactobacillus casei  ACA-DC 6002 (NCC 1825),  Escherichia coli  Nissle,  Lactobacillus bulgaricus  NCC 15,  Lactococcus lactis  NCC 2287, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . A method for the prevention or treatment of disorders related to a compromised immune defense comprising the step of administering a composition comprising at least 0.48 g/100 kJ of a protein source, not more than 1.1 g/100 kJ of a lipid source, a carbohydrate source and non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms to an individual in need of same. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the probiotic micro-organisms are subjected to a heat treatment is carried out in the temperature range of about 70-150° C. for about 3 minutes-2 hours. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the probiotic micro-organisms are selected from the group consisting of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, propionibacteria, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the probiotic micro-organisms are selected from the group consisting of  Bifidobacterium longum  NCC 3001,  Bifidobacterium longum  NCC 2705,  Bifidobacterium breve  NCC 2950,  Bifidobacterium lactis  NCC 2818,  Lactobacillus johnsonii  La1 , Lactobacillus paracasei  NCC 2461,  Lactobacillus rhamnosus  NCC 4007,  Lactobacillus reuteri  DSM17938,  Lactobacillus reuteri  ATCC55730,  Streptococcus thermophilus  NCC 2019,  Streptococcus thermophilus  NCC 2059,  Lactobacillus casei  NCC 4006,  Lactobacillus acidophilus  NCC 3009,  Lactobacillus casei  ACA-DC 6002 (NCC 1825),  Escherichia coli  Nissle,  Lactobacillus bulgaricus  NCC 15,  Lactococcus lactis  NCC 2287, and combinations thereof.