This study evaluated the stability of novel nutraceuticals containing jabuticaba freeze-dried peel (FJP) and a mix of potential probiotic L. fermentum strains [139, 263 and 296 (LfM)] (JM: FJP + LfM; JFM: FJB + LfM + fructooligosaccharides) through determination of thermal stability, viable cell counts, bacterial physiological status, phenolic compound contents, and antioxidant activity during 90 days of storage (11% relative humidity, 4 and 25 ºC). JM and JFM were thermally stable, with satisfactory stability in temperature variations. JFM had higher L. fermentum viable cell counts than JM during storage. However, the physiological status of L. fermentum cells in JM and JFM indicated maintenance of vitality and functionality rather than death, regardless of the storage temperature. JM and JFM had a high content of phenolic acids and anthocyanins and antioxidant activity during storage. JFM stored under refrigeration had the most outstanding stability and potential functionality regarding the high viable probiotic cell counts, phenolic compound content, and antioxidant activity.
Keywords: Antioxidant activity; Long-term storage; Nutraceutical; Phenolic compounds; Probiotic; Stability.
© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia.