A&B Ingredients flags probiotics’ role in modulating immune response and COVID-19 effects
19 Aug 2021 --- Probiotics and pro-inflammatory cytokines have proven the potential to help reduce inflammation and modulate an overactive immune system, according to A&B Ingredients.
Speaking to NutritionInsight, Joe O’Neill, vice president of sales and business development at A&B Ingredients, says: “Finding holistic solutions to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation is particularly important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the virus’s ability to trigger an ‘overactive’ immune response, otherwise known as the ‘cytokine storm.’”
The link between gut microbiota and immunity, digestive health and aging, have been coming to the forefront in continued publications, he notes.
“Amid the pandemic, consumers are more aware of dramatic differences in people's immune response to the COVID-19 infection. In addition, people have started to build a greater understanding of the role of supplements and probiotics in helping them support their immune function.”
Pediococcus Acidilactici is a unique, plant-based probiotic harvested from switchgrass.As a result, O’Neill believes demand for probiotics will continue to rise.
“On the one hand, the demand is supported by the growing role of probiotics and by their importance in digestive health and immunity. On the other hand, we see that consumers are increasingly willing to take probiotics for preventative care and to support their own body’s natural defenses.”
Understanding immune response
The study of P. Acidilactici probiotics demonstrated the effectiveness of said probiotics in modulating the body’s immune response and controlling inflammation, which causes difficulty in breathing and other symptoms of long-COVID.
Researchers are hoping to understand the relationship between the COVID-19 virus and the body’s immune response.
“In particular, they are researching the hyper-inflammatory response generated in the body after an infection by the COVID-19 virus. This abnormal immune reaction has resulted in severe respiratory difficulties in many people who have contracted and been infected by the virus,” says O’Neill.
Scientists have recently developed a better understanding of the causes of the atypical inflammation related to COVID-19.
“When the immune system encounters a pathogen in a healthy body, it responds accordingly, preparing to attack the ‘invader,’” he adds.
The “Cytokine Storm”
Cytokines are an integral part of the immune response. These proteins help the immune system tell “good” cells from “bad” cells. Cytokines can communicate with nearby cells and modulate the immune response, acting as a “messenger.”
While cytokines are an integral part of our natural defense mechanism, the “cytokine storm” is a dilemma that further complicates the body’s response to these dangerous pathogens.
The “cytokine storm” was coined to describe an uncontrollable inflammatory response produced by the immune system. When the cytokines become too abundant, the body loses its ability to regulate these proteins, and the immune system starts to work in “overdrive.”
“The overstimulation of the immune system and the resultant ‘cytokine storm’ leads to extreme inflammation. In this case, the immune cells do not stop at the site of infection but rather begin to attack healthy, functioning tissues within the body, leading to further damage,” explains O’Neill.
The “cytokine storm” damages the lung alveoli, which can cause acute respiratory syndrome. Experiencing acute respiratory syndrome is one of the dangerous symptoms of COVID-19, as lungs may be more susceptible to fill up with fluids and cause distress.
Regulating response
Recent scientific advances have shown that probiotics can help modulate the immune system and can help prevent it from going into “overdrive.”
Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit and support the immune system and help food digestion and nutrient absorption.
Dr. Lin, the chief scientist of Imagilin Technologies, recently conducted research that demonstrated the effectiveness of Pediococcus Acidilactici probiotics in controlling inflammation.
According to Lin, “P. Acidilactici NRRL B-50517 has the potential to reduce the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin 23 (IL-23) in the body. Therefore, consuming Pediococcus Acidilactici probiotics is a viable way to protect an overstimulated immune system. It may serve as a line of defense against the ‘cytokine storm.’”
Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect of the virus on the body’s overactive inflammatory response and resultant respiratory distress, taking the P. Acidilactici probiotic as a supplement or as part of one’s diet may be helpful to support the immune system and modulate the inflammatory response, Lin affirms.
P. Acidilactici can withstand a low pH (as low as 1.5), which can withstand an acidic stomach environment.
This non-spore-forming probiotic is also temperature and oxygen stable, ensuring its viability and providing an extended shelf life. These benefits allow for ease of use in dry mix supplements and capsules.
Beyond probiotic supplements, formulators have unlimited opportunities to innovate new delivery systems for probiotics using popular foods when using P. Acidilactici shelf-stable probiotics.
Innovating with probiotics 
The pandemic has accelerated the trend of proactively managing health and well-being through functional nutrition.
Probiotic-enriched foods are popular with consumers.
Consumers who seek out probiotic products are often more likely to choose probiotic-rich food and drink products over supplements.
Value-added products may provide an optimal delivery system for probiotics, as they are more convenient and easier to incorporate into a daily diet. Novel offerings that provide both immune benefits and deliver excellent, indulgent flavors have the potential to become a new favorite for many consumers.
P. Acidilactici probiotic is oxygen and temperature stable, which means that it can be added into various prepared foods, like yogurt, milk, soups, ice cream, chocolate, spreads, snacks and so on.
Probiotic-rich products are appealing to a broader range of consumers while providing health and immune benefits.
In June, Innova Market Insights reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently boosted consumer interest in immune health.
Food formulators who want to appeal to a larger consumer market and offer functional probiotic products should explore the value-added foods sector opportunities.
“A&B Ingredients’ strategy is to create value for our customers and to help our customers create value in the products that they market,” continues O’Neill. “We are considered a small but pioneering company in the areas of health, wellness, and natural plant-based ingredients.”
“We want to make a difference and we support our customers with unique ingredients taking wellness and ingredient functionality to the next level,” he concludes.
By Elizabeth Green
