2 Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) -Research Update IMPROVEMENT IN INTESTINAL HEALTH 1. Intestinal microbiota profiles of healthy pre-school and school-age children and effects of probiotic supplementation. Wang C et al 2015, Ann Nutr Metab 67:257-266. Aim: This study aims to establish the baseline profile of intestinal microbiota in preschool and school Japanese children and to investigate the effects of a probiotic on the microbiota. Method: The intestinal microbiota was analyzed and

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... he effect of daily consumption of probiotic (Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS)-fermented milk) on the intestinal microbiota and environment was studied before, during and after intervention. Results: An open trial was performed on 23 children (14 boys, 9 girls; age 7.7 ± 2.4 years (mean ± SD); BMI 19.6 ± 4.6). The composition of intestinal microbiota of healthy pre-school and school children resembled that of adults. During the probiotic intervention, levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus increased while those of pathogenic organisms like Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus and Clostridium perfringens decreased significantly. A significant increase in fecal concentration of organic acids and a decrease in fecal pH was observed during the ingestion period. However, the pattern of fecal microbiota and intestinal environment was found to revert to the baseline level (i.e. before ingestion) within 6 months following cessation of probiotic intake. Conclusions: Regular intake of an LcS-containing probiotic product may modify the intestinal microbiota composition and intestinal environment in pre-school and school children and maintain intestinal homeostasis. Probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota improves kidney function, inflammation and bowel movements in hospitalized patients with acute gastroenteritis -A prospective study. Akoglu B et al 2015, J Functional Foods 17:305-313. Aim: The study was conducted to evaluate the role of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) in improving kidney function, inflammation and bowel movement. Method: 142 hospitalized patients with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis received 65 ml LcS fermented milk twice daily.