DuPont Probiotics Beneficial to Immune Function in Healthy Elderly Subjects

15 Mar 2017 --- The DuPont Danisco range of premium probiotics can enhance cellular immune activity in healthy elderly adults, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis. The new findings make way for the company’s probiotic product, DuPont HOWARU Protect Senior, which is aimed at the elderly population.

Four clinical trials were included in this analysis, and the data showed that consumption of B. lactis HN019 daily enhances cellular immune activity – NK cell and PMN function – in healthy elderly adults.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that reported polymorphonuclear (PMN) phagocytosis activity or natural killer (NK) cell tumoricidal activity following B. lactis HN019 consumption in the elderly were conducted. A random effects meta-analysis was performed using standardized mean difference statistics between probiotic and control groups for each outcome.

“This is the first Systematic Review and meta-analysis of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis HN019 in relation to immune function in elderly – a highly relevant target group since elderly people have increased susceptibility to infections and cancer that are associated with decline in cellular immune function,” said Liisa Lehtoranta, research manager, DuPont Nutrition & Health.

Elderly people represent the fastest growing population globally, and typically have weaker immune responses to vaccination and elevated risk for infections, certain autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

Several of these health risks are a consequence of weakening immune function associated with the aging process, i.e., immunosenescence.

“We understand people have varying nutritional needs at different stages of their life,” explained Ole Danielsen, global marketing director, Dietary Supplements, DuPont Nutrition & Health.

“Our probiotics have a clear individual benefit with scientific support for a specific target group. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.”

“With this in mind, we designed DuPont HOWARU Protect Senior to meet the requirements of a senior target group.”

HOWARU Protect Senior contains Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis HN019 and is part of the HOWARU Protect product family which includes products targeting kids, adults, seniors, physical active people as well as expecting mothers.

Gut microbiota plays a significant role in immunosenescence and is influenced by physiological aging process, lifestyle, and diet. Research shows that gut microbiota of the elderly has specific features compared to microbiota of younger adults such as lower levels of bifidobacteria and higher levels of Bacteroidetes spp.

These changes in microbiota composition may be indicative of dysbiosis and poorer health, and therefore, targeted dietary interventions which restore microbiota composition could potentially help maintain overall health and improve the quality of the life of the elderly.