The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing fermented milk products with increased amount of probiotic bacteria. In particular, the invention relates to a process for producing a fermented milk which comprises adding to a milk base (i) a starter culture comprising at least one lactose-deficient Streptococcus thermophilus strain, which is capable of metabolizing a non-lactose carbohydrate, and at least one lactose-deficient Lactobacillus strain, which is capable of metabolizing a non-lactose carbohydrate, (ii) one or more non-lactose carbohydrate capable of being metabolized by the lactic acid bacteria, in an amount measured so as to become depleted when the pH of the fermented milk product is between 4.9 and 5.5 and (iii) a probiotic strain selected from a Lactobacillus strain and a Bifidobacterium strain. In addition, the present invention relates to compositions and to fermented milk food or feed products produced by the process of the invention.

A new lactic acid bacterium of the present invention produces, as an exopolysaccharide, a neutral polysaccharide having a structure in which N-acetylglucosamines are linked with each other via α-1,6 bond, is obtained from a fig, has a hyaluronidase inhibitory, an anti-alcoholic damage activity effect, and the like, and is therefore useful in a food and drink, a medicine, a feed, a cosmetic and the like exerting an antiallergy effect, an anti-alcoholic damage effect, and the like.

Provided is a composition for preventing or treating a metabolic disease or muscle disease, which includes vesicles derived from bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus. Confirmed, when vesicles derived from bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus were administered into an animal model with a metabolic disease caused by a high fat, the vesicles effectively inhibit metabolic diseases caused by a high fat diet, and increase homeostasis to metabolic stress by activating AMPK signaling in myocytes, and therefore, the vesicles derived from bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus according to the presently claimed subject matter can be effectively used in development of pharmaceuticals or health functional foods for preventing, improving symptoms or treating metabolic diseases such as obesity and muscle diseases.

The invention provides a method of increasing an amount of oral immunoglobulin A (IgA) and/or inhibiting oral pathogens in a subject in need thereof, which utilizes a composition including a therapeutically effective amount of probiotics as an effective ingredient. The probiotics include Lactobacillus plantarum LPL28, which can efficiently increase the amount of oral IgA and/or inhibit the oral pathogens, and thus have a potential to prevent teeth cavities and/or periodontal diseases.

Human-derived probiotic strains Lactobacillus paracasei KBL382, Lactobacillus paracasei KBL384 and Lactobacillus paracasei KBL385 are described, as well as uses of the strains for improving intestinal health and treating or preventing intestinal diseases. The strains have excellent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions, superb strengthening effects on tight junctions of the intestinal tract wall, suppress enteritis-induced weight loss and colon length reduction, thereby exhibiting therapeutic effects for enteritis, and significantly alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The strains can be used as probiotic material for enhancing anti-inflammatory effects, strengthening immunity, improving intestinal health functions, and alleviating allergic diseases.

The present application relates to a Lactobacillus paracasei ET-22 strain and use thereof. The present application provides a Lactobacillus paracasei ET-22 strain with a deposit number of CGMCC No. 15077, a composition containing the strain and a method of treating a subject using the strain. The present application also relates to a method for treating a subject, including administering an effective amount of the Lactobacillus paracasei ET-22 strain to a subject in need thereof for 1) whitening teeth and/or inhibiting oral pathogens; 2) adjusting balance of flora in the subject; 3) promoting growth of bifidobacteria and/or lactic acid bacteria; and/or 4) enhancing immunity of the subject.

Human-derived probiotic strains Lactobacillus paracasei KBL382, Lactobacillus paracasei KBL384 and Lactobacillus paracasei KBL385 are described, as well as uses of the strains for improving intestinal health and treating or preventing intestinal diseases. The strains have excellent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions, superb strengthening effects on tight junctions of the intestinal tract wall, suppress enteritis-induced weight loss and colon length reduction, thereby exhibiting therapeutic effects for enteritis, and significantly alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The strains can be used as probiotic material for enhancing anti-inflammatory effects, strengthening immunity, improving intestinal health functions, and alleviating allergic diseases.

The invention discloses a composition comprising an oligosaccharide mixture, said oligosaccharide mixture comprising from 40 to 80 wt % of fucosylated oligosaccharide(s), from 10 to 50 wt % of N-acetylated oligosaccharide(s), from 5 to 40 wt % of sialylated oligosaccharide(s) and from 0 to 20 wt % of precursor(s) of human milk oligosaccharide, for use in preventing and/or in treating necrotizing enterocolitis in infants and young children.

The present invention features compositions and methods for modulation of the mucosal immune system. The compositions include foods fermented by the probiotic organism, Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 (International Depository Accession Number LMG P-24778). Alternatively the compositions can include L. paracasei CBA L74 and a physiologically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the L. paracasei CBA L74 can be non-replicating. The compositions can be administered to a subject having or at risk for gastrointestinal disorders related to immaturity of the immune system, infection or disease.

A method for producing a cheese with reduced amount of galactose comprising inoculating milk with Streptococcus thermophilus Gal(+) bacteria and Lactobacillus Gal(+) Lac(−) bacteria.