Innovation and Market Application of Probiotic Raw Materials in Japan
Jun 21, 2022
Recently, the Department of Food Safety Standards and Monitoring and Evaluation of the National Health Commission issued Announcement No. 2 of 2022 ("Announcement on 36 "Three New Food Products" such as Bifidobacterium Rheinlandicum"), which announced three new food ingredients such as Bifidobacterium Rheinlandicum, Bifidobacterium longum subspecies BB536 and sugar cane polyphenols.
As one of the world-renowned strains, the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BB536, which was discovered in 1969, has been available in more than 30 countries and regions for more than 40 years, and is a very mature application of probiotics . In this article, Food Research Institute will take stock of the application of this ingredient in its largest market, Japan, and the latest research findings in the Japanese probiotic market.
What Are the Health Effects of BB536?
BB536 is more resistant to acid and oxygen than regular bifidobacteria and can reach the large intestine, and has been widely used in different types of products such as fresh milk, yogurt, infant formula, dietary supplements, and chocolate snacks. It has been well clinically proven in improving intestinal environment, constipation, anti-allergy, blood lipids, immunity, bone strength, etc.
1 、Enhance Immunity
Researchers believe that Bifidobacterium bifidum exerts its immune enhancing effects by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lactic acid for specific immune stimulation and acidification of the intestinal environment.
In one trial, 27 older adults aged 65 and older took Bifidobacterium longum BB536 powder for 19 weeks. During the study period, fewer subjects who consumed Bifidobacterium longum BB356 had flu symptoms and temperatures above 38°C than those who did not. Also, the immune activity of neutrophils was enhanced in subjects who took Bifidobacterium longum BB536.
2、Improve Intestinal Health
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is usually characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, which may lead to diarrhea and constipation. In 32 healthy adults who were carriers of ETBF (a harmful bacterium that causes diarrhea), the intake of yogurt containing BB536 for 8 weeks had a significant effect on the number of ETBF cells in the intestinal microbiota. A significant reduction in the number of cells of ETBF was observed in subjects receiving BB536 yogurt compared to baseline values. When subjects stopped consuming BB536 yogurt, the number of ETBF returned to baseline levels. These results suggest that continuous intake of BB536 eliminates opportunistic ETBF pathogens from the intestinal microbiota and regulates the intestinal microenvironment.
In another experiment, 39 women prone to constipation consumed 100 g of yogurt containing Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (more than 2 billion Bifidobacterium longum BB536 per serving) daily for 2 weeks. The results were an increase in the percentage of bifidobacteria, an increase in the number of bowel movements, and a decrease in ammonia levels, which was more effective than consuming regular yogurt alone. These results have been confirmed by several clinical trials.
3、Reducing Pollen Allergy
When allergens such as pollen and dust enter the body, IgE antibodies produced against foreign substances bind to mast cells that are abundant in mucous membranes and skin such as the nose and eyes. And when the same allergens re-enter the body and bind to IgE antibodies on mast cells, they stimulate the release of histamine and other substances that trigger an immune response. It acts on sensory nerves (trigeminal nerve) and blood vessels, thus causing allergic symptoms
A Japanese trial conducted a 13-week intake of B. longum BB536 powder or placebo powder in 44 patients with Japanese cedar hay fever. In patients taking Bifidobacterium longum BB536, their subjective allergy symptoms (such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and itchy eyes) were relieved and blood markers improved. By suppressing IgE levels and improving the IgG2a / IgG1 ratio, oral administration of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 increased Th1 cytokine and decreased Th2 cytokine production, thereby reducing allergies.
4、Reduce Cholesterol
In one experiment, 43 adult men and women consumed two 100 g cans of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (more than 1 billion Bifidobacterium longum BB536) yogurt or regular yogurt daily. 14 weeks later, there was little change in total serum cholesterol levels in the group consuming regular yogurt, while in the group consuming yogurt containing Bifidobacterium longum BB536, total cholesterol levels decreased compared to before consumption began.
In another experiment, rats fed cholesterol-rich food supplemented with Bifidobacterium longum were found to have significantly lower triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), ultra-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, and malondialdehyde.
5、Enhance Bone Density
Rats given milk calcium alone or in combination with Bifidobacterium longum BB536 in the osteoporosis model obtained greater bone strength compared to rats given milk calcium alone. This effect is thought to be due to the function of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 in maintaining intestinal health, resulting in a lower intestinal pH and thus promoting calcium absorption.
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