Probi gains validation in Japan for its first clinical study on probiotic strain LP299V

Probi has announced a first-ever clinical study of its flagship probiotic strain LP299V in Japanese adults, calling it a scientific and commercial milestone. 

The Symrise-owned company says the study sets a benchmark for validated probiotic solutions in one of the world’s most advanced functional food markets. 

The trial showed that consuming the probiotic strain daily improved bowel habits in healthy adults who are prone to loose stools. When compared to the placebo group, the group consuming LP299V showed significantly lower bowel movement frequency after eight weeks of consumption.

Probi says these findings build on previously documented efficiencies of the strain, but into a new study population and a shift toward a more balanced gut environment. It also reduced the number of days with bowel movements, which supports normalized bowel movements. 

“These results further strengthen the strain’s position as one of the most robust and versatile probiotic solutions available for product development,” notes the company.

Promoting beneficial bacteria

The effects found in the study, published in the Journal of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, are supported by LPV99V’s capability to survive gastric transit, adhere to intestinal mucosa, and colonize the gut temporarily. These characteristics are key to facilitating an interaction between the intestinal barrier and host microbiome.

The strain has previously been shown to modulate the gut microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial and short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, also those linked to butyrate production. 

“This is particularly relevant as butyrate plays a central role in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, regulating inflammation, and supporting normal bowel function,” says Probi.

The strain was included in a locally preferred format — a fermented carrot juice under the brand My Flora.Butyrate fuels the cell lining between the gut and bloodstream, made up of cells called colonocytes, to support gut barrier integrity and help to improve immune function. 

It also has anti-inflammatory effects and can cross the blood-brain barrier. A deficiency in butyrate, linked to a lack of dietary fiber, could be linked to unregulated inflammation in the brain, according to a recently published study.

Local partnership

The new study is a result of Probi’s partnership with the Japanese Nomura Dairy Products, a pioneer in the country’s fermented food sector. Together, they combined market and scientific insights to bring the strain in a locally preferred format — a fermented carrot juice under the brand My Flora.

“By combining Probi’s world-class science with Nomura’s strong local market expertise, we have delivered a clinically validated solution that strongly resonates with Japanese consumers,” says Karen Ong, head of Asia-Pacific at Probi. 

“This study marks a significant milestone, reinforcing LP299V’s position as a leading global probiotic strain while demonstrating proven efficacy in the Japanese population. It also highlights how targeted clinical validation can accelerate commercial growth and meet rising consumer demand for credible, science-backed digestive health solutions.”

The study comes at a time of increasing consumer demand for transparency and efficiency, and regulatory scrutiny. Probi underscores that local clinical validation is becoming a “key differentiator.”

“By investing in region-specific research, Probi is enabling its partners to move beyond generic claims and deliver targeted, evidence-based solutions with stronger credibility and commercial impact.”