Benefits of Lactobacillus helveticus Fermented Milk in Sports and Health

Abstract Lactobacillus fermented milk has various benefits including the promotion of health and prevention of diseases. These benefits are based on its antioxidative and antiinflammatory properties. Because inflammation and oxidative stress are involved in the development of exercise-induced fatigue and muscle damage that cause muscle soreness and reduced strength and endurance, it has recently been shown that Lactobacillus helveticus fermented milk can be useful as a beverage in the sports field. Similarly, milk casein hydrolysate, which includes the same peptides as L. helveticus fermented milk, also suppresses fatigue and muscle damage, and promotes the cardiovascular improvement obtained by appropriate exercise. Therefore, this chapter summarizes the benefits of L. helveticus fermented milk and its related foods, and suggests that daily consumption may contribute to improved exercise performance through the acceleration of recovery from exercise-related fatigue, and encourage participation in health-promoting exercise.