2019 Volume 72 Issue 2 Pages 79-83
The health-promoting functions of the probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri strain SBT2055 (LG2055) were studied, focusing on its effectiveness via the gastrointestinal tract after dietary intake. With regard to suppression of abdominal fat accumulation, we first found that enlargement of mesenteric fat adipocytes was suppressed in rats fed a high-fat diet containing LG2055. Then, a series of intervention trials in human volunteers, which included an exploratory trial, one for dose-setting, and one for corroboration of effectiveness using the final products, were conducted. All revealed suppression of abdominal fat accumulation after consumption of LG2055. With regard to immunomodulatory function, we observed enhancement of immunoglobulin A production in the small intestine and a protective effect against influenza virus infection in mice fed LG2055. In an intervention trial in humans, consumption of LG2055 resulted in upregulation of the influenza virus vaccine-specific antibody titer and natural killer cell activity. Of the findings described above, those for suppression of abdominal fat accumulation were employed as data for Food for Specified Health Use and Foods with Function Claims approved in Japan, allowing relevant products to be labeled with such health claims.
