Is microencapsulation the future of probiotic preparations? The increased efficacy of gastro-protected probiotics

In a recent publication we assessed the kinetics of intestinal colonization by microencapsulated probiotic bacteria in comparison with the same strains given in an uncoated form. It is well known, in fact, that microencapsulation of probiotics with specific materials is able to confer a significant resistance to gastric juice, thus protecting the cells during the gastric and duodenal transit and enhancing the probiotic efficacy of supplementation. This was the first study comparing the colonization time of the same probiotic strains administered in coated and uncoated form. Here, we discuss additional in vitro data of resistance of these bacterial strains to gastric juice, human bile and pancreatic secretion and correlate this data with the results of in vivo gut colonization.