It’s a breakthrough worth raising a glass to.
Researchers in Singapore have brewed up a beer containing probiotic bacteria that can improve gut health and boost the immune system.
The pale, bubbly drink tastes slightly sweet and has 3.5 per cent alcohol content, just under the 4 per cent to 6 per cent of regular beers. Every 100ml of the drink contains 1 billion probiotic organisms.
While probiotics have been shown to improve digestive function and boost the immune system, among other health benefits, project researchers stop short of making nutrition claims.
“The beer is simply a new vehicle for delivering probiotics and the associated health benefits,” said Chan’s project supervisor, Liu Shao Quan, adding that it had not yet been given a name.
Melissa Mak, founder of Fermentation Friends, a group that holds workshops on making fermented probiotic food and beverages, said she would give the beer a try.
“It’s highly incongruous to think of beer as being a good thing in terms of nutrition,” Mak said. “No one knows for sure, but I think it’s a very exciting new product.”
But it will be some time before bars can offer the new beer, as the researchers wait for their drink to be patented. The pair are also in talks with beer companies on marketing plans, Liu said, without giving details.
The beer contains the Lactobacilus paracasei L26 probiotic strain, the researchers said.
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