Effects of fermented milk with Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris FC on defecation frequency and fecal microflora in healthy elderly volunteers

• Published in: Nihon Shokuhin Kagaku Kōgaku kaishi Vol. 52; no. 6
• Main Authors: Toda, T.(Research Inst. for Production Development, Kyoto (Japan)), Kosaka, H, Terai, M, Mori, H, Benno, Y, Yamori, Y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: 01.01.2005
• Subjects: AMMONIA; AMMONIAC; AMONIACO; BIFIDOBACTERIUM; CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS; COLOR; COLOUR; COULEUR; CULTURED MILK; DEFAECATION; DEFECACION; DEFECATION; FAECES; FECES; FLORA MICROBIANA; FLORE MICROBIENNE; HECES; LACTOCOCCUS LACTIS; LAIT FERMENTE; LECHE FERMENTADA; MICROBIAL FLORA
• ISSN: 1341-027X
• DOI: 10.3136/nskkk.52.243

Caspian Sea Yogurt, viscous fermented milk with Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, has become popular in Japan. Since its health effect has not been studied sufficiently for human, the fermented-milk with L. lactis subsp. cremoris FC was tested for the effects on defecation frequency, fecal characteristics and fecal microflora in healthy elderly volunteers. 70 volunteers aged in average, 67.3 +- 4.2 and 66.9 +- 5.3 years old in males and females, respectively, were randomized into 2 groups for double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. 150 g of fermented milk drink containing 20% soybean milk (= 1.5 x 10(9)CFU/g of L.lactis subsp. cremoris FC, and = 3.1 x 10(7) CFU/g of Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus) or 150 g of fermented products without L. lactis subsp. cremoris FC were consumed daily for 1 month test and control periods, between which there was 1 month washout period. The defecation frequency and fecal characteristics were observed during these test, control and washout periods. The fecal microflora, ammonia concentration were examined in 9 subjects. The volume of defecation was significantly increased 2 weeks after the administration in both groups. The frequency and number of days of defecation were significantly increased only in the test group. The fecal shape and color were improved in both groups particularly in costive subjects. The ratio of Bifidobacteria to total bacteria increased and the frequency of occurrence of Clostridium perfringens tended to decrease in the test group, but there was no change in the control group. The fecal ammonia concentration also decreased in the test group.