AN ANALYSIS OF THE PROBIOTIC BACTERIA IN THE COMMONLY FERMENTED MAIZE, OIL BEAN, AND CASTOR OIL IN NIGERIA

Active probiotic organisms are essential bacteria considered live microorganisms obtained from fermented foods. There is increasing evidence that probiotics are necessaryfor human health. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the active probiotic microorganisms in Nigerias commonly fermented food samples. Maize, castor oil,and African oil beans were the primary fermentable food samples used in the study. The result revealed the presence of active probiotic organisms such as Pedioccocus, Micrococcus,Lactobacillus, and Bacillus species. The study concluded that these organisms are responsible for the fermentation of carbohydrates and protein-rich seeds.