Bifidobacterium growth promoter

摘要

A bifidobacterium growth promoter containing gluconic acid, a nontoxic salt thereof and/or glucono- delta -lactone as the active ingredient. It has not only a selective bifidobacterium growth promoter effect but also the effect of inhibiting the growth of deleterious bacteria. Further, it is reduced in the rate of digestion and absorption in the upper alimentary tract and hence has excellent characteristics as a bifidus factor. Therefore, this promoter can be used per se or as an additive for various food and drink to provide functional food and drink, thus being remarkably useful from the viewpoint of health improvement.