Abstract
The effect of feeding rats experimental diets containing traditional and probiotic yoghurt on the absorption of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe), development of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) in caecum and tibia mineralization were followed. Feeding on diets containing yoghurt and probiotic yoghurt increased the SCFA production The apparent absorption of calcium was significantly higher in groups fed yoghurt and probiotic yoghurt than the control while the apparent absorption of Mg and Fe was not affected. Mg and Fe contents of tibia were not affected significantly by the consumption of yoghurt or probiotic yoghurt. No significant changes were found in plasma Ca, Mg and Fe contents in rats receiving yoghurt in their diets, but a significant increase in plasma Ca was found in groups consuming probiotic yoghurt. The plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was not changed significantly in rats receiving yoghurt and probiotic yoghurt. The present study revealed the beneficial nutritional and health effects of probiotic yoghurt.