Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus)

S. thermophilus is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) found in the digestive tract.

Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus)
Table of Contents

About S. thermophilus:

  • It is a gram-positive, non-motile, and non-sporulating bacterium that can grow underaerobic and anaerobic conditions.
  • It is a type of probiotic (“good” bacteria) found in the digestive tract.
  • It produces lactic acid in the gut (converting lactose into lactic acid).
  • It can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off “bad” organisms that might cause diseases.
  • It can help improve lactose digestion in individuals who are lactose intolerant.
  • It has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. 
  • S. thermophilus is commonly used to produce fermented dairy foods such as yogurt.
  • It is also used in probiotic supplements.

What is MCC0200?

  • It is a new strain of lactic acid bacteria recently discovered.
  • It thrives in the gut, possesses a strong affinity for intestinal surfaces, allowing it to interact with host cells.
  • This ability to adhere to mucosal surfaces is a crucial factor in promoting gut health and immune function. 
  • In addition, MCC0200 has antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress-induced damage.
  • MCC0200 has the ability to assimilate cholesterol, which could help to lower serumcholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

MCC0200 could be an excellent probiotic candidate for food and pharmaceutical applications.


Q1: What is lactose?

Lactose is sometimes referred to as “milk sugar” because it is only found naturally in the milk of mammals—including cows, goats and humans. Milk from cows and goats is used to make cheese and yogurt, but not all milk products contain the same amount of lactose. Lactose intolerance is when your body can’t break down or digest lactose.

Source: Indian scientists discover new probiotic with potential health benefits

Update Icon
Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

Date IconLast updated on August, 2026

UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th August 2026.

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

UPSC Mains Admit Card 2026 is expected to be released in early August at upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in

→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2026 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.

→ Go through the UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers to enhance your preparation.

→ Download UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-I 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-II 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-III 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-IV 2025, UPSC Mains English (Compulsory) Paper 2025, UPSC Mains Hindi (Qualifying) Paper 2025 here.

→ UPSC has released UPSC Toppers List 2025 with the Civil Services final result on its official website.

UPSC Calendar 2027 has been released.

→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India

UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,80,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹29500
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹14000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now