Streptococcus Thermophilus Benefits and Supplement Side Effects

Streptococcus Thermophilus benefits include improved digestion, increased resistance to infection and enhanced balance in the microbiota.

Streptococcus Thermophilus is a strain of probiotic bacteria that is found in milk, cheese and yogurt products. This bacterial organism breaks down lactase, which can help individuals who are lactose-intolerant better digest milk products.

Research has also shown that S. Thermophilus synthesizes antibiotic chemicals that fight the spread of harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. It may aid in preventing infections such as Clostridium difficile and upper respiratory tract infections like pneumonia, and generally support immune function.

Additional health benefits of Streptococcus Thermophilus probiotic supplements are currently being researched. This supplement is being examined for its effects on cholesterol and cardiovascular health, improving allergies and atopic dermatitis and even for its effects on cancer tumors.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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How Streptococcus Thermophilus Supplements Work

Probiotics are microbial organisms that colonize the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract and colon. There are trillions of these living organisms found in the human body and together they make up the human microbiome or microflora.

Streptococcus Thermophilus is observed naturally in the colon. It is said to have good survivability at high temperatures, which means it is viable as an orally supplemented probiotic.

After ingesting a supplement or fermented dairy product with this strain of bacteria, the organisms travel through the digestive system until they find a hospitable environment to colonize.

These good bacteria then begin to grow and replicate, helping to support digestive functions and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria that could cause disease and inflammation.

One way that they do this is through competitive exclusion: by out-competing pathogenic bacteria for food and locations to adhere to, probiotic bacteria can prevent these pathogens from gaining a foothold in the gut and beginning to replicate.

This is why it is important to use probiotic supplements to maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria to bad bacteria. Different probiotic strains work together to limit the ability of pathogenic bacteria to grow and form a major component of the human immune defenses.

Streptococcus Thermophilus Health Benefits

A number of health benefits have been attributed to Streptococcus Thermophilus supplements.

Streptococcus Thermophilus is used to improve non-breast fed infant healthy probiotic ratio in the gut and helps decrease baby colic. It can help to establish a healthy microflora in infants who normally derive these bacteria from their mother’s breast milk.

Clinical studies have shown Streptococcus Thermophilus helps prevent Rotavirus diarrhea (cause of infant death) and increases the growth rate in infants.

A clinical study published in the Journal of Medical Association of Thailand in November 2002 showed acute diarrhea is a common cause of infant morbidity and mortality.

Probiotic supplemented infant formula is used to prevent rotavirus diarrhea and to help increase the rate of growth. The BB12 (Bifidobacteria Bb12) plus ST (Streptococcus thermophilus) group had the highest increase in weight.

Streptococcus Thermophilus also exhibits a number of anti-cancer mechanisms. It has been shown to prevent the conversion of nitrates found in foods into potentially carcinogenic nitrites.

This supplement has also been shown to improve outcomes for animal research subjects undergoing chemotherapy by reducing potentially fatal irritation and inflammation in the intestinal tract.

Streptococcus Thermophilus and Folate (Vitamin B9)

S. Thermophilus has been shown to produce folate (Vitamin B9) and is often added to milk products to increase folate levels. The RD 102 and RD 104 strains of this probiotic bacteria are known to produce high levels of folate.

The human body does not produce folate on its own and needs to get it through the diet. Previously, there were significantly higher rates of folate deficiency in North America. However, in the 1990’s, a mandatory folate food fortification initiative was introduced, which has increased dietary consumption.

There are still some groups that are at risk for deficiency, such as those who drink high amounts of alcohol and those with malnutrition. Women who are of child-bearing age and African American women also have higher rates of deficiency.

Folate is used to synthesize DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), repair DNA, and methylate DNA. Folate also aids rapid cell division and growth; is a very important nutrient especially during infancy and pregnancy. Folate is also needed to produce healthy red blood cells to prevent anemia in both children and adults.

Supplementing with Streptococcus Thermophilus-enriched milk may have additional health benefits related to improving folate nutrition status. In research studies, consuming this enriched milk has been shown to significantly increase hemoglobin levels in blood.

Additional Uses of Streptococcus Thermophilus

This probiotic is also combined with other probiotics to improve quality and longevity of food products. Streptococcus Thermophilus is used as a starter culture for yogurt and in milk production.

This bacterium is unique for its ability to break down casein, a protein found in cheese. By breaking down this protein into smaller chains of peptides and amino acids, S. Thermophilus can have an effect on the flavor and texture profile of different cheeses.

Is Streptococcus Thermophilus Safe?

Most users do not experience any adverse effects from consuming food products that contain this probiotic or dietary supplements.

Side effects of Streptococcus Thermophilus are usually mild and dissipate within two weeks. Acne, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, intestinal gas and rashes side effects have been reported.

There is a risk of taking probiotics in patients who are immunosuppressed, have open surgical wounds or those using a catheter. It is also recommended that people with SBS (Short Bowel Syndrome) should not take.

Streptococcus Thermophilus does help to digest lactose found in dairy products and may be suitable for lactose intolerant individuals. However, you should check with a doctor first to determine the right dosage and usage.

Unless directed by a medical care professional, probiotics should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing. Probiotics should be taken at least two hours apart from any antibiotic treatments.

Streptococcus Thermophilus benefits are continuing to be discovered in clinical trials as the mechanisms of how this probiotic functions are further understood. It is used in the food industry in yogurt and cheese production as well as other food applications because this strain improves nutrition and shelf-life.

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