Effect of fermentation using different lactic acid bacteria strains on the nutrient components and mineral bioavailability of soybean yogurt alternative

INTRODUCTION: Analysis of the composition of yogurt alternatives (YAs) during fermentation provides critical information for evaluating its quality and nutritional attributes. METHOD: We investigated the effects of homotypic (HO) and heterotypic (HE) lactic acid bacteria on the nutritional and mineral bioavailabilities of soybean YA (SYA) during fermentation. RESULT: The acidic amino acid (Glu, Asp) and organic acid contents in HO-fermented YA were increased from 2.93, 1.71, and 7.43 mg/100 g to 3.23, 1.82, and 73.47 mg/100 g, respectively. Moreover, both HO and HE lactic acid bacteria fermentation enhanced mineral absorptivity. They altered the molecular speciation of minerals from a large molecular type (2,866 Da) to a small molecular type (1,500 Da), which was manifested in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, YA substantially increased the bone mass in a zebrafish osteoporosis model, further highlighting the potential of lactic acid bacterial fermentation for mineral bioavailability. DISCUSSION: This study provides a foundation for understanding the effects of fermentation conditions on the composition and bioavailability of minerals in YA and can assist in its production.