5 Lactococcus Lactis Health Benefits: Immune, Aging And Skin

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Lactococcus lactis also known as Lactobacillus lactis & Streptococcus lactis is a gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, lactic acid-producing bacteria that is commonly found in dairy foods like cheese or yogurt.

The strain has been extensively studied for and has been shown to have a number of therapeutic applications.

In this guide, I will evaluate 5 Lactococcus lactis health benefits.

1. Boosts The Immune System

The immune system is the complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that coordinates the body's defense mechanisms against foreign substances, pathogens, and cancerous cells. It plays a critical role in generating strong mucosal immune responses against HIV.

A 2020 Study authored by Venkateswarlu Chamcha, examined the effects of oral administration of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris H61. It found the main health benefit of Lactococcus lactis was its use as a vaccine platform to induce strong mucosal immunity against HIV.

L. lactis was engineered to express an HIV antigen, specifically the Gag-p24 protein, on the tip of the Group-A streptococcus (GAS) pilus.

Oral immunization with this recombinant L. lactis strain, referred to as LL-Gag, resulted in the induction of strong HIV-specific immune responses in mucosal tissues, including the gut.

2. Protects Against Pathogens

Pathogens are microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, that can cause disease in their host organisms.

A 2015 study authored by Shuichi Nakamura, tested the ability of L. Lactis to inhibit the motility of flagellated pathogenic bacteria through lactose fermentation. 

It found that lactose fermentation by L. lactis subsp. lactis led to the production of acetate, which triggered the paralysis of flagella in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, as well as in other bacterial species such as Pseudomonas, Vibrio, and Leptospira. 

Flagella in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium are whip-like appendages protruding from the bacterial surface that enable the bacterium to move and navigate through its environment, contributing to its motility and virulence.

Since bacterial motility is closely linked to virulence, the ability of L. lactis to impair the motility of pathogenic bacteria suggests its use in protecting against infections caused by these bacterial species.

3. Treats Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic conditions characterized by inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily involving the colon and/or small intestine, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.

A 2014 study authored by Tessalia Diniz Luerce, tested Lactococcus lactis for its anti-inflammatory effect during the remission period of chemically induced colitis. The study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of different L. lactis strains and found that one particular strain, L. lactis NCDO 2118, exhibited anti-inflammatory properties.

In vitro experiments using intestinal epithelial cells showed that L. lactis NCDO 2118 reduced the secretion of IL-8, an inflammatory cytokine, in response to IL-1β stimulation. This suggested that L. lactis NCDO 2118 had the ability to treat the inflammatory response in IBD.

4. Promotes Anti-Aging In Mice

Anti-aging in mice refers to interventions or treatments aimed at slowing down or reversing the effects of aging, promoting longevity, and maintaining overall health and vitality in mouse models.

A 2007 study authored by Hiromi Kimoto-Nira, examined the effects of oral administration of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris H61 on physiological changes associated with aging in senescence-accelerated mice (SAM). 

SAM are mice that develop normally but then show an early onset and irreversible advancement of senescence.

L. Lactis reduced bone density loss, a suppression of the incidence of skin ulcers, and reduced hair loss compared to control mice and the spleen cells of mice fed H61 produced more interferon-gamma and IL-12, indicating that H61 altered immune responses. L. Lactis was also associated with a suppression of the incidence of skin ulcers and reduced hair loss.

5. Improves Skin Health

Skin health in women refers to the condition and well-being of the skin, encompassing factors such as hydration, elasticity, even tone, and absence of skin conditions, contributing to a radiant and youthful appearance.

A 2012 study authored by H Kimoto-Nira, had 30 healthy women receive an oral daily dose of 2 grams of placebo or a probiotic containing 60 mg of heat-killed cells from the Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris H61 strain for 2 months.

The results published in the Journal of Nutritional Science journal found that the oral intake of Lactococcus Lactis  h61 probiotics improved skin hydration and the appearance of hair follicles in the women.

is lactococcus lactis harmful?

Lactococcus lactis is generally considered non-pathogenic and rarely causes infections in humans, there have been reported cases of infections caused by this bacterium, including endocarditis, peritonitis, and intra-abdominal infections.

These cases are considered rare and the overall risk of harm from Lactococcus lactis is low. It's important to note that the majority of L. lactis strains are safe and commonly used in food production and as probiotics without causing harm to human health.

where is lactococcus lactis found?

Lactococcus lactis is found in various environments, primarily in dairy settings and on plants. Dairy strains of Lactococcus lactis are believed to originate from the plant niche. They are commonly associated with plant material, particularly grasses, and can easily contaminate milk. Therefore, Lactococcus lactis is naturally present in milk and cheeses and can contribute to the process of milk souring.

Is Streptococcus lactis the same as Lactococcus lactis?

Streptococcus Lactis and Lactococcus Lactis are the same bacteria. Streptococcus lactis is an outdated name that was previously used for what is now known as Lactococcus lactis. 

Both Streptococcus lactis and Lactococcus lactis refer to the same species of bacteria within the Lactococcus genus. These bacteria are commonly found in dairy environments and play a crucial role in the production of fermented dairy products such as yogurt and cheese.

Lactococcus lactis, which was previously referred to as Streptococcus lactis, is widely utilized as a starter culture in the dairy industry.

What Is lactococcus lactis rosell-1058?

Lactococcus lactis Rosell-1058 is a specific strain of Lactococcus lactis that has been isolated from a kefir culture. It is a probiotic bacterium known for its antimicrobial properties, particularly in combating undesirable bacteria and certain fungi in the body.

It has been used in the meat industry due to its ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria that can lead to meat degradation. Lactococcus lactis Rosell-1058 is characterized by being β-galactosidase positive and α-glucosidase positive, indicating its enzymatic activity in breaking down specific sugars.

What Is lactococcus lactis kf140?

Lactococcus lactis KF140 is a specific strain of Lactococcus lactis that has been isolated from kimchi. A 2022 study authored by HY Park, tested the effects of treatment with Lactococcus lactis KF140 on the levels and toxicokinetics of Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine, a major dietary advanced glycation end product, were investigated. 

It that administration of LL-KF140 reduced serum CML levels and hepatic CML absorption in rats fed a CML-enriched product. In a human trial, intake of LL-KF140 prevented increases in serum CML levels after consuming a CML-rich cheese.

Metagenome analysis confirmed the presence of LL-KF140 in feces. It was also discovered that β-galactosidase, an enzyme produced by L. lactis, played a role in inhibiting the absorption of CML and reducing its levels in the body.

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