M-16V(Bifidobacterium breve)belongs to the genus Bifidobacteria.This strain has been listed in the biological products list recommended by European Union safety accreditation (QPS) and listed in the list of microorganisms with a history of safe use in food by International Dairy Federation (IDF).In 2011, Bifidobacterium breve was listed can be used in food in China. In 2016, the national health and Family Planning Commission listed Bifidobacterium breve M-16V can be used in infant food, after the review of safety evaluation materials. Bifidobacterium breve M-16V was isolated from the intestinal tract of healthy infants, and was prepared by inoculation, fermentation, concentration and freeze-drying. Bifidobacterium breve was isolated from the intestinal tract of health infants, and was prepared by inoculation,fermentation,concentration and freeze-drying. This strain is recognized by the FDA GRAS (Generally considered safe substance) and can be used in infant formula.The Infant formula powder which containing Bifidobacterium breve M-16V is sold in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. ^[1]

Bifidobacterium breve M-16V was discovered in 1963 by Morinaga and isolated from health infant intestine.Since its founding in 1917, Morinaga Dairy co., Ltd. has been committed to product research, technology development and quality management with the mission of providing "safe", "nutritious", "healthy" and "delicious" products to the whole society.We hope to bring the best quality and the most valuable products to Chinese consumers with the long-term accumulated scientific research achievements and strict  quality management experience.Since the development of the first generation of Morinaga powder in 1920, Morinag has always devoted itself to the research on the nutrition, physiological function of breast milk and the nutrients needed by infants in the process of growth. Morinaga is now the second largest dairy group in Japan, with net sales of 325.39 billion yen in 2016 and 8806 permanent employees.It is worth noting that Morinaga is still the designated supplier of infant milk powder for the Japanese royal family.

Bifidobacterium breve M-16V can reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and help infants grow. The study compared the health status of infants born less than 34 weeks in 2012-2014 using M-16V (n = 920) and infants born in the same conditions (n = 835) but not using probiotics in 2008-2010.The results showed that the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was significantly reduced in infants treated with M-16V.
The time to establish enteral nutrition in infants treated with M-16V was also significantly shorter, which indicated that M-16V was helpful to infant growth.^[2]Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammation of the lining of the gut that is complicated by bacterial infection. Preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation or low birth weight infants weighing less than 1500g are at higher risk, and in a few cases, patients die.With the progress of medicine, more and more babies with low birth weight can survive, but the incidence rate of necrotizing enterocolitis is also increasing.

Bifidobacterium breve M-16V can promote the colonization of intestinal bifidobacteria.The study compared Low birth weight infants weighing between 1000 and 2000 g were given M-16V or not given. In the group not given M-16V (control group), the detection rate of bifidobacteria was lower during the study period.In contrast, in the M-16V group, a large number of bifidobacteria were detected in infants at 1 week, and the detection rate reached 100% after two weeks of use. ^[3]

Bifidobacterium breve M-16V fights allergies and relieves atopic dermatitis symptoms.In a clinical trial, 15 children with cow's milk atopic dermatitis were treated with extensively hydrolyzed casein supplemented with M-16V. The results showed that the proportion of bifidobacteria in intestinal microflora was increased and the symptoms of atopic dermatitis were alleviated.^[4]

Bifidobacterium M-16V can fight allergy and reduce the incidence rate of eczema and atopic dermatitis.160 pregnant women were divided into two groups: one group took Bifidobacterium powder (containing 5 billion bb536 and 5 billion M-16V cells) and the other group did not.The former group was asked to take two packs a day from four weeks before the expiration date and one bag a day after delivery until six months after birth.The results showed that the prevalence of eczema and atopic dermatitis in Bifidobacterium feeding group was lower than that in control group. ^[5]

Bifidobacterium breve M-16V won the "infant nutrition - raw material of the year award" at the Asia nutrition ingredients awards 2019 held in Singapore. The Asia nutrition ingredients award, known as the "Oscar" of nutrition ingredients, aims to recognize the raw materials, products and scientific research innovation that have made great contributions and achievements in the food and nutrition industry.

As for why Bifidobacterium breve M-16V won the prize."Since 1994, more than 17 studies have shown that Bifidobacterium breve M-16V helps build healthy gut bacteria in babies and may prevent allergies early in life”.Jan knol, Professor of early life intestinal microbiology at Wageningen University in the Netherlands and director of intestinal biology and microbiology research and development center of dannengdisia, said.Jan knol explained that Bifidobacterium breve M-16V is a beneficial bacterium that naturally exists in the intestines of healthy infants. It has been confirmed by clinical medical research that it can promote healthy intestinal microecology and help regulate immune balance.Around the world, nearly 100 relevant scientific studies have confirmed the medical and nutritional value of Bifidobacterium breve M-16V.Some studies have shown that Bifidobacterium breve M-16V can effectively protect premature infants from enterocolitis, septicemia and allergic diseases, and help to prevent infant allergy.

This award will help to promote its application in infant nutrition solutions, and further promote the innovative development of early life health research. We believe that as more and more people pay attention to intestinal health, probiotics will be more and more understood by human beings.

[1] Interpretation of the announcement on Lactobacillus fermentans cect5716 and other three strains. National Health Commission of the people's Republic of China [cited on April 12, 2018]

[2]  Patoie SK. et ., "Benefits of Bifidobacterium breve M-16V Supplementation in Preterm Neonates - A Retrospective Cohort Study", PLOS One, 11(3): e0150775 (2016)

[3]  Ishizaki S. et ., "Study of the effects of administrating bifidobacteria on the intestinal microflora in low birth weight infants: Effects of administrating three species of bifidobacteria", J Jpn Pediatr Soc, 108: 283 (2004)

[4]  Hattori K. et ., "Effects of administration of bifidobacteria on fecal microflora and clinical symptoms in infants with atopic dermatitis", Jpn JAIIergo, 52: 20-30 (2003)

[5]  Enomoto T. et ., "Effects of Bifidobacterial Supplementation to Pregnant Women and Infants in the Prevention of Allergy Development in Infants and on Fecal Microbiota", Allergol Int, 2014;63: 575-585 (2014)