Development and in vitro evaluation of novel nutraceutical formulations composed of Limosilactobacillus fermentum, quercetin and/or resveratrol.

• L. fermentum had high counts in formulations during refrigerated storage. • Quercetin (QUE) and resveratrol (RES) had higher stability during refrigerated storage. • QUE and RES had good potential bioaccessibility in formulations. • Antioxidant properties of QUE and RES were maintained in formulations. • L. fermentum cells were distributed in agglomerates embebed in formulations. This study developed and carried out an in vitro evaluation of nutraceutical formulations composed of potentially probiotic Limosilactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum 139, L. fermentum 263 or L. fermentum 296), quercetin and/or resveratrol. L. fermentum strains had counts of >9 log CFU/g and contents of QUE and RES of >200 µg/mg in formulations after freeze-drying. Formulations with QUE and RES protected L. fermentum during exposure to in vitro acidic stomach conditions. L. fermentum strains had counts of >6 log CFU/g on day 60 and/or 90 of refrigeration storage. Contents of QUE (>29%) and RES (>50%) in formulations were potentially bioaccessible. Higher counts of L. fermentum and higher contents of QUE and RES were found in formulations stored under refrigerated rather than under room temperature. All nutraceutical formulations had antioxidant properties. Combinations of probiotic L. fermentum and QUE and/or RES should be an innovative strategy to develop added-value nutraceutical formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]