Chr. Hansen Probiotic Shown to Strengthen Immune System

The key findings of the study indicate that daily consumption of at least one billion colony forming units of BB-12 or L. casei 431 may strengthen the immune system’s defense against common infections such as flu and colds.

Sep 8 2011 --- A new clinical study published in the acknowledged British Journal of Nutrition documents that either one of Chr. Hansen’s probiotic bacteria strains BB-12 or L. casei 431 is an effective means to support the immune system. The key findings of the study indicate that daily consumption of at least one billion colony forming units of BB-12 or L. casei 431 may strengthen the immune system’s defense against common infections such as flu and colds.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in cooperation with the Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan, Italy and the University of Milan. ”This new clinical study is part of Chr. Hansen’s comprehensive clinical study program,” says Chr. Hansen’s Birgit Michelsen, Director of Scientific Affairs, Health & Nutrition Division. “The outcomes of this study, as well as data from previous studies on BB-12 and L. casei 431, show that supplementation with these probiotic strains result in a strengthening of various parts of the immune system. This will very likely translate into a clinical benefit, such as reduced rates of infection”.

In the study, 211 healthy adults were divided into two probiotic groups (receiving BB-12 and L. casei 431, respectively) and two placebo groups. The number of persons experiencing a substantial increase in flu antibodies was significantly greater in both probiotic groups than in the placebo groups. For example, in the BB-12 group 66% had a substantial increase in the specific antibody 'IgG3' compared to only 4% in the placebo group. Likewise, in the L. casei 431 group 46% had a substantial increase compared to just 2% in the placebo group.

“Food manufacturers as well as dietary supplements producers observe an increasing consumer interest in probiotics with credible, scientifically documented health benefits,” comments Lars Bredmose, Marketing Director, Probiotic Cultures, Chr. Hansen. “This study further strengthens Chr. Hansen’s probiotic portfolio of strains with documented health benefits”.

Lars Bredmose continues: “We are already successfully marketing powerful food and dietary supplements solutions, which contain BB-12 and L. casei 431, for consumer products supporting the immune system: probiotic yoghurt blends, chewable tablets, powder sticks, and capsules. We expect this study to further inspire international players in the food and supplements industries to launch probiotic products with evident health benefits.”

Read the study article called “Evaluation of the immune benefits of two probiotic strains Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, BB-12 and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei, L. Casei 431 in an influenza vaccination model; a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study” here:

http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJournal?jid=BJN