Knowledge of the fermentative capacity of probiotic species can assist in both understanding of the effects of different non-digestible carbohydrates has on population dynamics in the intestinal microbiota and mechanisms of polysaccharide fermentation in the human colon. The prebiotic potential of fructooligosaccharides derived from native Jurusalem artichoke tubers (JA-Fr) was assessed by monitoring in vitro effects of JA-Fr on bacterial growth. The studies showed the greater survivability of beneficial bacteria in cultures media containing JA-Fr in comparison with HP-inulin. Results in this study demonstrated that the improvement of growth, activity, and viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Escherichia coli in the media are dependent on the carbon source and concentration. Jerusalem artichoke fructooligosaccharides can affect probiotic survival during a 24-hour incubation period in, in vitro conditions and provide the greater stability and acid production to L. acidophilus; however, further studies are needed with other probiotic strains used in human dietary. In addition, in vivo health benefits of native Jerusalem artichoke fructooligosaccharides still need to be investigated.

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