Sarah Jane L.

Salva
BSN 3J

A health drink that fights infection in the

upper respiratory tract
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:54:00 01/20/2011

Filed Under: Research, Lifestyle & Leisure, Health, Consumer Issues

MANILA, Philippines – Can a health drink really help fight infection in an

athlete’s upper respiratory tract?

Yes if it’s Yakult.

Daily consumption of Yakult, which contains Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota

(LcS), helps in keeping the upper respiratory tract healthy, according to a
study.
Professor Michael Gleeson of Loughborough University in UK conducted a
study among 84 endurance athletes – staff and students at the university
who were involved in regular intensive sports training, such as cycling,
triathlon, middle-long distance running or swimming.

The subjects were divided into 2 groups: 42 receiving Yakult and 42,
a placebo. After the subjects consumed the drinks taken twice daily for 16
weeks, the effects on the incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
(URTIs) and immunity were examined.
The results confirmed that daily intake of fermented milk drink containing LcS
lowered the incidence of URTIs among athletes engaged in prolonged hard
sports. Earlier research showed that athletes were susceptible to infections
due to a depression in their immune system.

The study, sponsored by Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd, was published online in the
scientific peer-reviewed publication, International Journal of Sport Nutrition &
Exercise Metabolism.

Dr. Haruji Sawada, Ph.D., director of the Yakult Central Institute for
Microbiological Research (YCIMR)], said the study proved that drinking Yakult
daily could keep the upper respiratory tract healthy. “This study has resulted
in important data that are further evidence of immune benefits associated
with drinking Yakult," he said.

SUMMARY:
 The results from the study confirmed that daily consumption of
Yakult was effective in reducing the incidence of common colds (i.e.
upper respiratory tract infections, or URTIs) in the athletes.

The study proved that drinking Yakult daily could keep the upper
respiratory tract healthy. This study has resulted in important data that
are further evidence of immune benefits associated with drinking
Yakult. The placebo drink did not contain Lactobacillus casei strain
Shirota. The taste and color of both the placebo drink and “Yakult”
were similar. By comparing the effects of intake of each drink, the
efficacy of “Yakult” can be scientifically measured.

REACTION:

I think that Yakult drink really helps fight infection and

helps in keeping our upper respiratory tract healthy. This probiotic
drink plays a vital role in protecting and maintaining the health of the
whole body. It also helps keep the balance between the beneficial and
potentially harmful bacteria living in the digestive system.

I also observed that because my mother always bought Yakult

for us since I was in grade school until now. Aside from the taste I like
its effect on my bowel habits, because it prevents me from getting
constipated. And I’m happy because it has lot of benefits, that’s why I
agreed with this research that it can prevent the athletes from having
the risk of infection and risk of depressing their immune system.