Science has always been at the heart of the Yakult company
Science has always been at the heart of the Yakult company, since the microbiologist Dr Shirota selected and cultivated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota and produced the first bottle of Yakult in Japan in 1935. Inspired by Professor Elie Metchnikoff's theory that there are health benefits in replacing harmful proteolytic microbes in the colon with beneficial saccharolytic lactic acid bacteria, Dr Shirota spent years screening a collection of lactic acid bacteria to look for one with the ability to resist exposure to gastric acid and bile salts. After selecting and cultivating this strain, he used it to develop a probiotic fermented milk drink.
Continuing this passion for science, today Yakult has research institutes in Japan and Belgium and also supports independent research in hospitals, universities and institutes worldwide, including the UK and Ireland. New papers are always being published, with over 470 papers published to date. Furthermore, Yakult organises national and international scientific symposia on the latest scientific developments relating to probiotics, such as the International Yakult Symposium. In Europe, the company also sponsors awards for healthcare professionals and researchers (including students) and supports digestive health charities.
What Yakult can do for you and your team:
- Yakult Educational Grant – supporting your attendance at a conference or training opportunity
- Downloadable resources and e-learning materials
- E-newsletter – sharing research, resources and more
- Educational events
- Free educational workplace talks – tailored to your interests
- Microbiome Matters podcast featuring experts in the field – available on Spotify
- For more information, visit www.yakult.co.uk/hcp or contact the Science Team at science@yakult.co.uk.