Exploring the nutritional improvement and bacteriocidal activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus salivarious subsp. thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus: Insight into time-monitoring bioprocessed coconut fruit extract

Introduction: Coconut fruits are popularly consumed in Nigeria for medical benefit; however, bio-processing could enhance their nutritional and biochemical quality.

Aim and Objectives: This study examined the effects of bioprocessing (fermentation) on coconut fruits extract in Nigeria. The study assessed the effect of fermentation time on the nutritional and physicochemical properties of the food. 

Methods: Seven samples were drawn from 13 production units of fermented coconut extract by Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus salivarious subsp. thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus, at 0, 12, 36, 48, 60, and 72h. These were analysed for physicochemical, phytochemical, fatty-acid, fat rancidity, mineral, vitamins, amino acids, and microbial susceptibility during the process.

Results: Proximate value decreases except for the proteins which reduce from 1.45-1.77%, as fermentation period increased. Calcium (8.67-15.02 mg/100g), magnesium (45.41-108.16 mg/100g), iron (1.64-15.61 mg/100g), phosphorus (40.76-133.00 mg/100g), selenium (1.08-0.94 mg/100g) and Zinc (0.54-1.04 mg/100g) respectively increased with fermentation period. Vitamin K (phylloquinone), vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 had significant increase from 0.11-0.24 mg/100g, 0.91-1.39 mg/100g, 14.31-34.38 mg/100g. Most of the amino acids and fatty acids increased with fermentation period in range of 23.91-502.32 μg/100g. Collectively, low Iodine (0.59-55.00 IV/Wijs) with high saponification (78.46 to 130.20 mg/g) and esters values (38.19-105.19) of fatty acids were observed.

Conclusions: From this finding, bioprocessed coconut extract had better nutritional and functional quality which could be substituted to cow milk for all consumers, including vegetarian, vulnerable, and immune compromised patients.