When Dr. Minoru Shirota (1899-1982) began investigating Lactic Acid Bacteria, living standards in Japan were substandard due to malnutrition and poor sanitation, which resulted in a range of digestive disorders and general ill health.
As he continued his research, Dr. Shirota became convinced that beneficial bacteria were the key to a long, healthy life and had the potential to improve health standards.
His determination led to a breakthrough in 1930, when he successfully researched a unique lactic acid bacterium with the ability to survive the acidic conditions of the stomach. This enabled the bacterium to reach the intestines alive where it helps to make a positive contribution to the balance of intestinal flora. The bacterium was named the Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain in