The Lactobacillus species help in production of enzymes
which digest and metabolise proteins and carbohydrates.
They also aid in the synthesis of vitamin B and vitamin K
and facilitate the breakdown of bile salts. More than 100
species of L. acidophilus, L. salivarius , L. rhamnous, L. brevis,
L. casei, have been identified. They help enhance innate
and acquired immunity as well as cause inhibition of proinflammatory
mediators. More recently, a study
demonstrated that long-term consumption of milk
caused a significant reduction in caries risk 10.