More than 100 species of beneficial, harmful, and neutral microbes make up the intestinal "microflora." They are in constant conflict. When their number or balance is disturbed, it can affect the health of the intestine -- and possibly, how you feel. When harmful bacteria (like pathogenic E.coli for instance) are dominant, it may lead to various disorders.

Probiotics are a type of dietary supplement that contain potentially beneficial bacteria. Also foods that contain probiotics, like yogurt and milk, are sold in many countries around the globe today.

Probiotics may help assist the body's natural microflora to reestablish and balance themselves. The number and balance can be disturbed by a wide variety of circumstances including the use of antibiotics or other drugs, alcohol, poor diet, stress, age, disease, or exposure to toxic substances.

Bifidobacteria (often simply called Bifidus) are probiotics. Bifidobacteria are one type of the many beneficial bacteria or "friendly micro-organisms" that inhabit the body's intestine. It appears that throughout evolution, these precious bacteria have passed on naturally from mother to child. Since discovery in 1899 by Henry Tissier, M.D. of the Pasteur Institute in France, Bifidus and its effects on human health have been widely studied.

Specifically, Morinaga's original Bifidobacterium longum BB536 is one of the most famous probiotic strains in the world. Based on results of the many scientific studies involving BB536 conducted from the 1970's to present, we believe bifidobacteria like BB536 are one of the most important beneficial bacteria for keeping intestinal conditions healthy. Since the late 1970's, BB536 has been added to milk, yogurt, and supplements in places like Japan, Europe, and the United States.