Conditioning drinks support the health and wellbeing of people who seek to maintain optimum physical condition in the daily life. Recently, Otsuka nutraceuticals formulated the proprietary Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 (B240), which was named “BODYMAINTÉ.” This novel conditioning drink is a functional beverage that could provide protection from regular risks and support the health and wellbeing of people who seek to maintain an optimum physical condition.

B240 is a plant-derived lactic acid bacterium, which was discovered in the fermented tea "Miyan," traditionally consumed in northern Thailand. Otsuka nutraceuticals have long been contributing to local people's health through meat and bite teas, including the "Miyan" tea. It plays a role in maintaining optimum physical condition and prepares for risks on a daily basis².

Recently, B240 was shown to reinforce immune function, and the intake of Lactobacillus resulted in an increase in blood T-helper and natural killer (NK) cell counts and enhancement of NK cell activity in the elderly³. B240 is an anaerobic, non-speculating, gram-positive bacterium, originally isolated from fermented tea leaves⁴. Oral administration of B240 in mice resulted in increased synthesis of IgA in the mucosal tissue and increased serum IgG level^5,6. Intake of B240 increases the secretion of salivary IgA in healthy adult women and in the healthy elderly^7,8. Moreover, recent studies have shown B240-mediated IgA enhancement⁹. B240 is combined with other ingredients in novel products to support good physical condition based on the new concept of protective beverages.

In addition to consuming B240 in a basic and easy way, novel conditioning beverages are of two types, those containing electrolytes and those containing proteins. The former is in drinking form and offers an effortless way to consume the protective B240 and balance electrolyte concentrations for optimum physical condition¹⁰. It is similar to the body fluid to maintain hydration and is low in calories and refreshing¹¹.

The other is in jelly form containing B240 with the whey protein, citric acid and amino acids such as BCAA and Arginine, to help maintain physical condition against regular risks. This protein absorbs quickly and tends to incorporate in body tissues, such as muscles, which support the framework of the body¹². Furthermore, essential amino acids play a role in muscle growth and recovery¹³. Moreover, arginine supports body recovery with various functions¹⁴. The purpose of these assorted drinks is to hydrate the body and improve athletic performance¹⁵. The jelly type is widely used by athletes and other people to maintain optimum physical condition and resilience.

It is necessary to prepare for risks on a daily basis by having a good physical condition. People face many daily risks that could affect physical resilience, such as poor dietary habits, stress, and aging. People who heavily use the body, such as through sports, should firmly ensure maintenance of the body. Thus, maintenance of physical resilience is important for those concerned with living a healthy life.

People regularly participate in strenuous daily activities, such as sports competitions or work presentations. Everyone wants to make the day a success through hard training and tough work. Therefore, physical condition management for productivity is important. About 60% of body fluid contains electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium¹⁶. Therefore, beverages contain water and electrolytes close to the composition of the body fluid to maintain a balance between them in the body.

Athletes and people who exercise actively lose body fluid and electrolytes through sweat and expend energy. Exercising or competing in a sporting event for over one hour eliminates the need to drink something with excess sugar or electrolyte. Excessive salt supplementation during exercise could lead to gastrointestinal problems or cause further impairment of fluid balance and salt-induced cramps¹⁷.

The general population occasionally has to work hard, which tends to put a burden on the body. Excessive stress and sleep deprivation make it more difficult to manage the physical condition. For such a person, B240 is recommended with electrolytes or proteins for immunopotentiation. It protects the body and maintains the daily physical condition for good productivity.