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Information on Lactobacillus bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 (simply “OLL1073R-1 lactic acid bacteria” below)

Yogurt made from 1073R-1 lactic acid bacteria is known to enhance the activity of NK cells and reduce the risk of infection with the common cold. Over the years, Meiji Co., Ltd. has been conducting research in collaboration with municipalities to study human subjects and also the influenza-resistant characteristics of mice, which revealed that yogurt containing 1073R-1 lactic acid bacteria could invigorate NK cell activity, reduce the risk of infection with the common cold, and suppress influenza. This section explains the basic facts on the human immune system, what NK cells are and their key function, and research results of our study on the 1073R-1 lactic acid bacterium that activates NK cells.

What are 1073R-1 lactic acid bacteria?

The 1073R-1 lactic acid bacterium is a strain of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus used to make yogurt, which has a distinct characteristic of producing large amounts of polysaccharides. The polysaccharides that are produced by lactic acid bacteria, etc. outside their cells are called EPSs (extracellular polymeric substances), which are known to activate the immune system in the living body.