In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a probiotic composition comprising an effective amount of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens in association with a suitable carrier. The probiotic composition has many probiotic effects such as intestinal adherence, intestinal persistence, positive modulation of the intestinal microflora, protection against intestinal pathogens, immunomodulation, protection against systemic inflammation, protection against intestinal inflammation, protection against allergies, protection against diarrhea, protection against diabetes, protection against hyperlipidemia and protection against colon cancer. In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a method of treatment and/or prevention of a number of diseases for which the composition has a beneficial effect. For example, the composition is useful for fermenting a product which in turn finds utility in the treatment of hypertension, the treatment of weight disorder, the treatment of hyperlipidemia or the treatment of triglyceride disorder.
