Discovery
Yakult's Unique Probiotic Strain
Yakult’s probiotic, Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (L. casei strain Shirota) was specially developed by our founder, Dr. Minoru Shirota.
In 1930, Dr. Shirota, a doctor from Kyoto Imperial University School of Medicine, succeeded in isolating and biotechnologically strengthening a Lactobacillus strain. The fortified bacteria strain was later named after him as L. casei strain Shirota. The robust L. casei strain Shirota shows good viability in the intestines by withstanding the gastric juice and bile and has excellent beneficial effects on the digestive tracts.
Dr. Shirota’s discovery, L. casei strain Shirota was made into a cultured milk drink, Yakult in 1935 so that as many people as possible could enjoy its benefits.