Abstract: The invention is based on a correlation observed between serotonin level and intestinal flora. The invention relates to a relative proportion of bifidobacteria in the intestine and in particular to a product increasing the ratio of bifidobacteria to Clostridia, to be used for raising the serotonin level. The invention also relates to a method for estimating a health risk associated with serotonin depletion by determining a relative proportion between bifidobacteria or Clostridia in the intestine or their ratio to one another. The invention further relates to a method for selecting a form of therapy for raising the serotonin level by determining a relative proportion between bifidobacteria or Clostridia in the intestine or their ratio to one another.

Abstract: The invention is based on a correlation observed between visceral fat and gut flora. The invention relates to a product increasing the relative proportion of bifidobacteria in the intestines and to be used for preventing formation of visceral fat or for reducing the amount thereof in the body. In particular, the product increases the ratio of bifidobacteria to Clostridia. The invention also relates to determining visceral fat in the body by determining the relative proportion of bifidobacteria or Clostridia or their ratio to each other in the intestines. The invention further relates to a method for estimating, in the same manner, the health risk associated with obesity.

Abstract: The invention is based on a correlation observed between serotonin level and intestinal flora. The invention relates to a relative proportion of bifidobacteria in the intestine and in particular to a product increasing the ratio of bifidobacteria to Clostridia, to be used for raising the serotonin level. The invention also relates to a method for estimating a health risk associated with serotonin depletion by determining a relative proportion between bifidobacteria or Clostridia in the intestine or their ratio to one another. The invention further relates to a method for selecting a form of therapy for raising the serotonin level by determining a relative proportion between bifidobacteria or Clostridia in the intestine or their ratio to one another.

Abstract: The invention is based on a correlation observed between visceral fat and gut flora. The invention relates to a product increasing the relative proportion of bifidobacteria in the intestines and to be used for preventing formation of visceral fat or for reducing the amount thereof in the body. In particular, the product increases the ratio of bifidobacteria to Clostridia. The invention also relates to determining visceral fat in the body by determining the relative proportion of bifidobacteria or Clostridia or their ratio to each other in the intestines. The invention further relates to a method for estimating, in the same manner, the health risk associated with obesity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probiotic combination comprising different combinations of lactobacilli, propionic acid bacteria and/or bifidobacteria. The probiotics are preferably combined with a suitable prebiotic to form a synbiotic. The combination of the invention can be consumed as such or combined with a suitable foodstuff or pharmaceutical product, and it is therapeutically useful for example for stimulating the immune system and for general health improvement.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of microbes Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG, ATCC 53103, Latobacillus rhamnosus LC705, DSM 7061, and Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii PJS, DSM 7067 in inhibiting yeast growth, for preventing and treating diseases caused by yeast and for relieving yeast-related symptoms in animals or humans.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a product containing antihypertensive peptides by fermenting a casein-containing starting material with lactic acid bacteria. The invention also relates to the obtained product and its use as a functional product as such or as an ingredient or additive of edible substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing conjugated linoleic acid and particularly its cis-9,trans-11 isomer from linoleic acid by fermentation. The invention also relates to products prepared by the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new strain, Lactobacillus helveticus LBK-16 H, DSM 13137, and a bacterial preparation containing the same. The new strain Lactobacillus helveticus LBK-16 H has proteolytic activity and is capable of promoting the production of nitric oxide, and thus it is useful both as a starter bacterium in dairy industry and as a therapeutic substance as such and in various health-promoting products and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probiotic combination comprising different combinations of lactobacilli. propionic acid bacteria and/or bifidobacteria. The probiotics are preferably combined with a suitable prebiotic to form a synbiotic. The combination of the invention can be consumed as such or combined with a suitable foodstuff or pharmaceutical product, and it is therapeutically useful for example for stimulating the immune system and for general health improvement.

Abstract: The invention relates to inhibition of clostridia with lactic acid bacteria. In particular, the invention relates to the use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in the food industry to inhibit the growth and activity of clostridia. Preferred embodiments of the invention include the use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in prevention of butyric acid fermentation and in cheese production.

Abstract: The invention relates to new Streptococcus thermophilus strains containing genes giving the bioluminescence property. The strains can be applied widely for analytical purposes, e.g. in the determination of bacteriophages and antibiotics, especially from liquid samples. The invention also relates to a test set containing a bioluminescent Streptococcus thermophilus strain, and to processes for the determination of bacteriophages or antibiotics from a liquid sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel microorganism strain Lactobacillus casei ssp. rhamnosus LC-705, DSM 7061, having a yeast and mold controlling effect, to bacterial preparations comprising this strain, alone or in combination with a bacterium of the genus Propionibacterium or another strain of the bacterium Lactobacillus casei and/or with conventional agents used for yeast and mold control. The invention also relates to the use of said strain and said bacterial preparations for yeast and mold control and to a method for controlling the growth of yeasts and molds using a bacterial preparation comprising said strain.

Abstract: A test set comprising a purified culture of Streptococcus thermophilus T101 concentrate and a water-based protective agent in dilution ratio of about 4 to 5.times.10.sup.-2. The test set may also advantageously comprise an indicator. The test method includes the steps of incubating the test set and evaluating the color. The present invention also comprises a purified culture of Streptococcus thermophilus T101 strain.