What is Streptococcus thermophilus?

Streptococcus thermophilus is a type of probiotic bacteria. Probiotics are also known as friendly bacteria due to their health benefits, namely assisting in the breakdown of food, absorbing nutrients and warding off the organisms within the microbiome which can cause disease including diarrhoea [I]. Read more about other types of probiotics in our Probiotics entry.

What is Streptococcus thermophilus found in?

Streptococcus thermophilus is commonly used to produce fermented dairy foods such as yogurt; also used in dietary supplements. Streptococcus thermophilus is a bacterium commonly used in the production of fermented dairy foods, particularly yogurt. It is one of the starter cultures added to milk during yogurt production. Streptococcus thermophilus works together with other lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus, to ferment lactose, the natural sugar found in milk, into lactic acid.

What are the specific benefits of Streptococcus thermophilus?

Streptococcus thermophilus is commonly used to produce fermented dairy foods such as yogurt; also used in dietary supplements. It is most commonly taken by mouth to treat and prevent diarrhoea and constipation [ii]. Epidemiological studies have shown that the consumption of fermented foods is associated with reduced risks of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease, along with improved weight management [iii].

In one particular study, the patients were organised to receive a mixture of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus strains or placebo for eight weeks.The results suggested that the studied probiotic preparation was well tolerated and safe and can offer benefits for patients with diarrhoea experienced as part of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [iv].