AB-Biotics and Kaneka’s probiotic blend relieves constipation and may support mental well-being in older adults

New clinical research has confirmed that AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics’ probiotic blend, containing two Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) strains KABP 031 and KABP 032, can alleviate occasional constipation in otherwise healthy older adults. 

The study also reveals that supplementation with the formula, branded KABP Mature Immune Defense and marketed as Innerim, may offer additional benefits such as stress relief. The researchers speculate that this could be a result of improved digestive health, or an influence along the gut-brain axis.

The companies say the findings add to the body of evidence for the probiotic blend’s impact on the gastrointestinal (GI) health, immunity, and quality of life of older people.

“The metabolic and physiological processes that drive digestion slow down with age, which means that altered bowel function, including constipation, is a common health concern for older or elderly people,” says Dr. Maria Rodriguez-Palmero Seuma, medical director at AB-Biotics and co-author of the study.

“This can have negative impacts on the quality of life for many older adults and put strain on both social and healthcare systems. Many of these consumers are dissatisfied with the over-the-counter remedies that are currently available to help them manage their constipation, since solutions such as laxatives and fiber supplements often provide unpredictable and incomplete relief from symptoms.”

“As the findings of this new study demonstrate, probiotics, such as our Innerim blend, offer an attractive, safe, and effective alternative for older people managing altered bowel habits.”

Placebo-controlled trial

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 70 healthy adults aged 50–80 years who were experiencing straining during defecation and hard stool consistency received a daily dose of L. plantarum KABP 031 and L. plantarum KABP 032 or placebo for 84 days. 

Participants also took a daily multivitamin and kept a diary to track bowel habits and levels of stress and well-being. Data was collected and analyzed at baseline, after 42 days, and after 84 days.

Participants in the probiotic group had significant increases in weekly bowel movement frequency after 42 and 84 days, with values being higher than in the placebo group at day 42.

The researchers note that supplementation also led to significant improvements in stool consistency. Using the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS), participants moved from a score of 2.31 at baseline (≤2 is indicative of constipation), to over 3 (within the healthy range) at the 42- and 84-day timepoints. Values were higher than in the placebo group at day 42.

By comparison, the placebo group saw no significant improvements in stool consistency.

Additionally, after 42 days, participants in the probiotic group saw a significant decrease in the percentage of bowel movements per week that were classed as constipation (BSS ≤2).

Impact on stress levels

As a secondary outcome, researchers measured participants’ stress levels with the validated Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Emerging evidence indicates a two-way relationship where stress can negatively impact gut microbiota composition and diversity, and probiotic supplementation has been reported to improve stress scores.

The team found that PSS scores were significantly improved compared to baseline after 84 days of probiotic supplementation, and the proportion of participants in the probiotic group with moderate stress scores (9.4%) was significantly lower than in the placebo group (37.9%).

The researchers note that further research is required to determine how te probiotic improves stress, e.g., by better digestive health or through the gut-brain axis.

“There is a growing body of evidence to show how the L. plantarum KABP 031 and KABP 032 probiotic blend can support consumers over the age of 50 across multiple aspects of health and well-being,” says Rodriguez-Palmero Seuma.

“The blend has previously been shown to improve GI transit and nutritional status in elderly adults,” she adds. “Another clinical trial found that supplementation with this mixture enhanced systemic immunity, with the potential to support vaccination responses in the elderly — further emphasizing its precision targeting for elderly populations. We’re excited to continue building on this science and supporting healthy aging for older adults.”