Lactic Acid Bacteria Day

What Is Lactic Acid Bacteria Day?

February 3rd is "Nyusankin no Hi" (Lactic Acid Bacteria Day) in Japan, established by Kagome Co., Ltd., a beverage and food manufacturer. In addition to the company's monthly "Lactic Acid Bacteria Day" observed on the 23rd, this date was chosen from a pun on "2 and 3," which can be read as "nyusan" (lactic acid), making it a symbolic anniversary for the year as a whole.

Growing Interest in Lactic Acid Bacteria Amid the Gut Health Boom

Lactic acid bacteria are a broad group of microorganisms that break down sugars to produce lactic acid, long used around the world to make fermented foods such as yogurt, pickles, miso, and soy sauce.

• Their function: believed to help balance the gut environment by increasing beneficial bacteria and suppressing the growth of harmful ones
• Familiar foods: found in a wide range of fermented foods across cultures, from yogurt and lactic acid bacteria drinks to Japanese pickles, miso, and kimchi
• Why they're in the spotlight: as the term "gut health care" has spread, interest in lactic acid bacteria has grown steadily among people mindful of their health and beauty

Why February 3rd, in Addition to the 23rd of Every Month?

Kagome designates the 23rd of every month as "Lactic Acid Bacteria Day," but February 3rd was established as an especially symbolic date for the year. Beyond the wordplay, it also carries a wish to help people care for their health from the inside out with lactic acid bacteria during the cold season, when it's easy to fall ill.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Choose a yogurt or lactic acid bacteria drink to care for your gut
• Add fermented foods containing lactic acid bacteria to your everyday meals
• Learn about the different types of lactic acid bacteria and how their functions vary
• Use the day as a chance to reflect on your gut health and daily habits

Tiny, Invisible Bacteria, Supporting Health Every Day

Lactic acid bacteria are so small we can't see them, yet they continue to support our health from within. Let February 3rd be a chance to add a spoonful of lactic acid bacteria to your usual meal, and quietly check in with your own body.