Effects of Culture-Powder of Propionibacterium freudenreichii ET-3 on Fecal Microflora of Normal Adults

Abstract

The effect of a culture powder of Propionibacterium freudenreichii ET-3 cells containing a bifidogenic growth stimulator (BGS) on fecal flora was studied in twelve healthy subjects with a mean age of 42.6 (range, 27-56 years). One gram of BGS powder containing 17.4 U of BGS activity was administered for 14 days, three times a day after meals. A significantly higher number of bifidobacteria in fecal samples was observed during the intake period of the BGS powder. The frequency of occurrence of the bifidobacteria also increased from 92% to 100%. These results indicate that the BGS acts in the intestine as a growth stimulator of bifidobacteria when the BGS powder is administered.