Morinaga Milk Industry and Angfa’s fertility support brand “HOMTECH (Omutech)” have jointly developed a product aimed at supporting male fertility called “Omutech Hagukumu Mugicha（barley tea）” (25 servings, priced at 2,300 yen including tax).
The product contains Morinaga Milk Industry’s proprietary “Happiness Lactic Acid Bacteria” (heat-sterilizing Lactobacillus helveticus MCC1848), selected from thousands of strains to help improve the intestinal environment and support physical health during fertility efforts. Embracing the concept of “fertility not just being a woman’s responsibility,” it is positioned as a “Hapi-katsu habit” that partners can engage in together.
This powder-form product targets stress that can negatively impact fertility and contains ingredients such as the “Happiness Lactic Acid Bacteria,” theanine, GABA, folic acid, glycine, and vitamin D expected to help maintain a positive mood. It is easy to consume and suitable for infants over six months old. Since March this year, it has been available mainly through the official website and online stores.
This development addresses challenges such as spermatogenic dysfunction—which accounts for approximately 80% of male infertility causes—and declining sperm counts due to aging. Japan’s birth numbers are projected to hit a record low of 680,000 in 2024, with a birth rate falling to 1.15. Approximately one in 4.4 couple experiences infertility, with about half of the causes attributed to the male side (according to WHO research). Stress is known to negatively affect female hormones and male sperm motility, making lactic acid bacteria-based care for both mind and body increasingly important.
Yuichiro Furuta, Senior Manager of Functional Materials at Morinaga Milk Industry’s Functional Materials Division stated, “Fertility is a crucial issue both domestically and internationally. ‘Happiness Lactic Acid Bacteria’ is, like the already globally expanding ‘Shield Lactic Acid Bacteria,’ is aiming for the global market in the future. While incorporating international insights, we aim to give back to the Japanese market.”
