News

Thai Probiotics-infused Milk Tablet’: a CMU Award-winning Solution to Help Tackle Metabolic Syndrome in Children

29 September 2025
Corporate Communication and Alumni Relations Center (CCARC)

Dr. Pattanapong Thoetthatha, from the Faculty of Agro-Industry at Chiang Mai University, has developed an innovative product known as the Thai Probiotics-Infused Milk Tablet, designed to help address metabolic syndrome in children. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—including abdominal obesity, high blood sugar, and hypertension—that significantly increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. This innovation was awarded a silver medal at the Higher Education Innovation Awards 2025, organized by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).
The development of this product stems from the integration of two key technologies: a Thai probiotic strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CMUB-N14, and resistant starch derived from sugar banana. The resistant starch serves a dual function—as a protective coating that enhances probiotic survival through the gastrointestinal tract, and as a prebiotic that supports beneficial gut microorganisms.
The research team found that gut microbiota varies according to genetics, geographical location, and dietary habits. As a result, the intestinal microbiota of Thai people differs from that of populations in other countries. A survey on probiotic consumption in Thailand revealed that approximately 90% of probiotics available in the market are imported, which may limit their effectiveness for Thai consumers. This finding motivated the development of a locally derived probiotic strain tailored to the Thai intestinal system.
Using sugar banana resistant starch as a coating allows the probiotics to survive digestion and reach the colon, where they can multiply and produce important metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—including acetic, propionic, and butyric acids—which play a key role in regulating metabolism. Additionally, the use of sugar banana enhances the nutritional value of the product while promoting the utilization of off-grade agricultural produce, thereby supporting local farmers.
Probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms sourced from nature, have been shown to help address health concerns such as obesity and diabetes. In Thailand, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among children is increasing, placing many at higher risk of abdominal obesity. Conventional approaches such as strict dietary control or medication may not be appropriate for children who are still in their growth stage.
To address this challenge, the research team incorporated the Thai probiotic strain into a milk tablet—a familiar and child-friendly snack—available in two flavors: original and chocolate. What distinguishes this product is its synbiotic formulation, combining probiotics with prebiotics from sugar banana starch to enhance the activity of beneficial intestinal microorganisms. While the primary target group is children, the product is also suitable for consumers of all age groups.
This innovation received a silver medal at the NRCT Higher Education Innovation Awards 2025 in the Agriculture and Agro-Industry category (Higher Education Track). Notably, the product was developed by first-year students under the guidance of their supervisor, reflecting the commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and startup development from an early stage of education. The technology also shows potential for application in other products, such as yogurt, functional beverages, and fermented foods including Naem (fermented ground pork).
Currently, L. plantarum CMUB-N14 is undergoing safety evaluation by BIOTEC for registration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), paving the way for future commercialization.

Outstanding Staff Research and Innovation News Awards and Recognition Highlights

Gallery