Fermented Dairy Products: Starter Cultures and Potential Nutritional Benefits

Fermented dairy products have long been an important component of nutritional diet. Historically, fermentation process involved unpredictable and slow souring of milk caused by the organisms inherently present in milk. However, modern microbiological processes have resulted in the production of different fermented milk products of higher nutritional value under controlled conditions. These products represent an important component of functional foods, and intense research efforts are under way to develop dairy products into which probiotic organisms are incorporated to make them more valuable. This article provides an overview of the different starter cultures and health benefits of fermented dairy products, which can be derived by the consumers through their regular intake.