Potential probiotic lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis H61 contributing to high quality of life

Abstract

In Japan and other countries, as the elderly population increases, the prevalence of aging-related, physiologic deterioration will increase; thus, functional foods to maintain good health and high quality of life will likely become more desirable. In this context, the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria have garnered particular interest. This review introduces Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris H61 as a new probiotic bacterium. Oral administration of heatkilled strain H61 to aged senescence-accelerated mice was associated with reduced bone density loss, decreased incidence of skin ulcers and hair loss compared with those of controls that did not receive strain H61. In human study, oral intake of heat-killed cells of strain H61 and fermented milk made by strain H61 can improve some skin properties and body characteristics (i.e. dryness of throat) in Japanese women. This strain likely would be useful for high quality of life in an aging population. The deduced mechanisms associated with the beneficial effects of this strain on skin health are also discussed.