• LAB
• honey bee
• Lactobacillus
• Bifidobacterium
• nmr
• probiotics

Apis mellifera pollinator influences genomic diversity in plant communities and contributes to ecosystem structure. Concerns arise from the decline of bee colonies due to pollution, biocides, and diseases. The use of probiotics in the bee diet can improve the gut microbiota, promoting metabolic balance and fortifying colonies against stressors and diseases. To support the growth of probiotics, whey-based media are useful and suitable for consumption. This thesis aims at exploring the feasibility of using nuclear magnetic resonance to characterize compounds in a bacterial-inoculated whey-based medium and evaluate its potential as human beverage. Beneficial bacteria employed in this study were sourced from worker bees’ gut. Following their growth in the whey-based medium, they might act as a supplement, given their beneficial attributes, enhancing health and performance of honeybees. However, the inherent indigestibility of lactose for bees necessitates the lactose hydrolysis in the whey, through the utilization of β-galactosidase. During growth, bacterial strains release metabolites into the medium, conferring to it health-promoting properties. Successful hydrolysis of lactose makes whey a source of probiotics for bees. In addition, such whey, rich of beneficial metabolites, may represent a promising basis for the development of an innovative fermented beverage also suitable for lactose intolerant people.