SCREENING FOR OXALATE AND URIC ACID DEGRADING LACTIC ACID BACTERIA FROM PROBIOTIC FOOD ITEMS USING CLASSICAL MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS.

Calcium oxalate and uric acid are the major components involved in hyperoxaluria and hyperuricemia respectively.This study was aimed at discovering LAB's (Lactic acid bacteria) which can degrade uric acid and calcium oxalate to alleviate these conditions. 7 isolates were procured from commonly consumed fermented food items in the Indian subcontinent and commercially available probiotic supplements and cultured in anaerobic conditions using MRS Agar. Biochemical tests were conducted by referring to the 'Bergey's manual for classical identification' and were identified to the genus level. 2 strains showed significant uric acid degradation, D3A and Y2 both showed 79% and 29% reduction respectively showing viability in alleviating hyperuricemia. None of the isolates showed any significant calcium oxalate degradation. A survey was conducted to test/analyse the health benefits of probiotic consumption in a population. After running statistical analysis and tests, it was concluded that probiotic foods and supplements do have a positive impact on the general wellbeing of an individual.