Bone matebolism improving agent

Abstract

A bone metabolism improving agent characterized by containing as the active ingredient fermented soybean milk which is obtained by fermenting soybean milk with a lactic acid bacterium or a bifidobacterium. The bone metabolism improving agent is efficacious in treating and preventing diseases in association with lowered bone metabolism such as osteoporosis and, at the same time, satisfies requirements in cost and smooth intake.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . (After amendment) A bone metabolism improving agent comprising fermented soy milk obtained by fermenting soy milk with one or more microorganisms selected from the group consisting of  lactobacillus casei, lactobacillus mali , and  bifidobacterium breve.    
     
     
         2 . (Deleted)  
     
     
         3 . (Deleted)  
     
     
         4 . The bone metabolism improving agent of  claim 1 , wherein the bacteria are  lactobacillus casei  YIT9029 strain,  lactobacillus mali  YIT0243 strain, or  bifidobacterium breve  YIT4065 strain.  
     
     
         5 . (After amendment) A method for improving bone metabolism in humans and animals comprising administering a bone metabolism improving agent comprising fermented soy milk which is obtained by fermenting soy milk with one or more microorganisms selected from the group consisting of  lactobacillus casei, lactobacillus mali , and  bifidobacterium breve  as an active ingredient to the humans and animals.