Streptococcus Thermophilus
Benefits of Streptococcus Thermophilus
- Gut microbiome
- Digestion
- Form: Bacteria
- Food source: Plant-based yoghurts and other fermented plant-based foods made with live cultures (check the label for S. thermophilus).
What is Streptococcus Thermophilus?
Streptococcus thermophilus is one of the most widely used live bacteria in food, alongside members of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups. S. thermophilus is the second most-used bacterium in the dairy industry, thanks to its role in making yoghurt and ripening cheese, and it is used in plant-based yoghurts too. It is consumed by millions of people every day. S. thermophilus breaks down sugars, such as lactose, into lactic acid, which is what makes it so useful in fermentation.
What does the research say about Streptococcus Thermophilus?
S. thermophilus is often one of several strains in multi-strain preparations, which researchers have studied for their effects on digestive wellbeing, bowel habits and stool consistency.
Multi-strain and synbiotic preparations have also been studied in relation to body fat mass and body weight, BMI and fasting glucose. Researchers are also interested in the 'gut-brain axis', the two-way communication between the gut and the brain. Gut bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids, and these have been studied for their effects on the neurotransmitter GABA.
Live bacteria like S. thermophilus feed on fibres known as prebiotics, so it's worth including these in our diet. One of the best known is inulin, which can be found in a range of fruit and vegetables.
You may enjoy reading 'What are prebiotics and probiotics?', 'Latest gut health customer survey: IBS causes & signs revealed', 'What is IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?', 'IBS explained' and 'Best probiotics for IBS'.
Why it's in Gut Works®
Streptococcus thermophilus is a probiotic strain known for its role in gastrointestinal and immune health. It plays a large role in maintaining gut barrier integrity by stimulating mucin production in the intestinal lining, which helps protect against pathogen adherence and invasion. This mechanism is particularly relevant in reducing gut permeability and enhancing epithelial resilience.1 S. thermophilus is a potent producer of lactic acid, which lowers gut pH and creates an unfavourable environment for pathogenic bacteria, thus promoting a balanced gut microbiome. S. thermophilus contributes to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, which are essential for colonocyte health and anti-inflammatory effects. S. thermophilus improves lactose digestion and produces the enzyme ß-galactosidase, which breaks down lactose into more easily digestible sugars.2 S. thermophilus has demonstrated immunomodulatory properties by enhancing the production of secretory IgA, an essential component of mucosal immunity, and regulating inflammatory responses.3
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