Application of Lactic Acid Bacterium B240 as a Conditioning Food Supporting Mucosal Immunity and Exerting Anti-Infection Effects

Abstract

"Lactic acid bacterium B240" is a plant-derived lactic acid bacterium isolated from fermented "Miang" tea in northern Thailand. B240 is taken up from Peyer's patches in the small intestine and exerts a sIgA production-enhancing effect on both live and heat-killed bacteria. In a basic study, oral administration of B240 protected against infection with seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Salmonella. In addition, a human study has shown that B240 promotes the secretion of salivary sIgA and suppresses the incidence of common cold in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, we have obtained evidence that intake of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) reduces fatigue, muscle pain and muscle weakness after exercise. In addition, ingestion of whey protein immediately after exercise was effective for increasing skeletal muscle mass and strength. Therefore, it is expected that a combination of B240, whey protein, and BCAA would be beneficial to many individuals wishing to manage their physical condition during critical periods as a conditioning food for not only athletes but also elderly with a high risk of infection, students taking entrance exams, and also businesspersons.