Effect of the Probiotic Kefir on the Fecal Microflora

Aim: To investigate the effect of a four-week-long consumption of a special Hungarian probiotic agent (Biofir®) on the faecal microflora in human healthy subjects. Methods: The effect of a special Hungarian probiotic kefir (Biofir®), with 106/cm3 initial germ number, was studi-ed in 4 weeks, prospective and randomized study in 120 healthy volunteers (71 females, 49 males) on the faecal microflora. The traditional Russian type kefir was applied as control. The various germ groups and pH values were determined on 2nd, 4th and 6th weeks. Results: the number of all microbes increased during 4 weeks’ probiotic treatment. The increase in number was 4.3 fold in the control group, while its value was 6.8 fold in the group which consumed Biofir. The probiotic kefir caused the multiplication of the probiotic flora, meanwhile the undesired bacteria multiplied in the control group. No significant change was found in the pH values of the faeces in both groups. Conclu-sion: The Hungarian probiotic kefir (Biofir®) is capable of promoting the multiplication of the probiotic bacterial flora in the large bowel.