Acceptability of functional products for the offering strategy of probiotics and prebiotics in institutionalized elderly nutrition

Aging is a gradual process, in which biologic changes occur (STUMP, 2011). Some factors may influence the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract during the aging (NESELLO, 2011). In this context, the ingestion of probiotic and prebiotic may favor the increase of intestinal transit. Probiotics are microorganisms that provide benefits to the health, prebiotics are food that benefits the large intestine (SAAD, 2006; ANTUNES et al., 2007 ). Therefore, this study aims to analyze the acceptability of functional products for the offering strategy of probiotics and prebiotics in institutionalized elderly nutrition.
Two formulations have been prepared using green banana biomass, fermented kephir and maize flour (A); and green banana biomass, fermented kephir and rice flour (B). An acceptance test has been conducted with 33 elderly from an asylum in Feira de Santana, Bahia, including 17 men e 16 women, aging from 60 to 80 years old.
This study has prepared 30-gram samples randomly codified in disposable plates and has used a 9-point hedonic scale, ranging from 1 (highly disapprove) to 9 (highly approve), rating the smell, texture, and taste.
The research has found that the formulation (A) has achieved better acceptance rating 87.9% for highly approve and 12.1% for highly disapprove. The formulation (B) has rated 78.8% for highly approve and 21.2% for highly disapprove. Ribeiro and Finzer (2010) also found better acceptance for formulations with prebiotics and probiotics. The attribute taste has had particular emphasis in both formulations. This attribute influences the sensory properties of food products added from ingredients not frequently used (ALAMANOU et al., 1996).
This study has found that these products are a considerable alternative to include in the elderly nutrition, showing high acceptance among the target audience, and additionally stimulating the increase of beneficial bacteria and the organism defense mechanism.