Summary of conclusions from a consensus panel of experts on health attributes of lactic cultures: significance to fluid milk products containing cultures.

A panel of experts sponsored by the California Dairy Research Foundation was convened on January 31, 1992 to discuss the effect of the consumption of lactic cultures on human health. The panel was composed of 10 scientists with diverse applicable specialties. Topics discussed included lactose digestion, diarrheal diseases, chronic kidney disease, cancer, adherence, immune system stimulation, cholesterol reduction, constipation, and safety. Legitimacy of health claims and research needs for these areas were determined. The panel noted the promising results in the areas of positive effects of ingestion of lactic cultures on lactose digestion, some diarrheal illnesses, small bowel overgrowth associated with chronic kidney disease, and reduction of fecal enzymes that may play a role in colon cancer. However, additional research is necessary to confirm the effects in all of these areas. A coordinated research effort between microbiologists and clinicians is essential for the most effective research to ensure the choice of best available strains, the best conditions of analysis, and the best clinical models.