DuPont Study: Probiotic Benefits Immunity of Elderly Patients

14 Feb 2014 --- The consumption of a probiotic has been found to improve immune cell functionality in elderly patients, according to a collaborative study between DuPont Nutrition & Health and the University of Reading. The study, on the effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium Lactis Bi-07, has been published in the Journal of Nutritional Science.

“Immunity continues to be one of the main fields of research for DuPont Nutrition & Health. Alterations in the gut microbiota and immune functions of elderly adults are associated with higher susceptibility to infections and metabolic disorders,” said Dr. Markus Lehtinen, senior scientist, DuPont Nutrition & Health. “Phagocytosis, by which immune cells ‘eat’ bacteria or infected cells, is one of the mechanisms that help to resist infections. Results of this study show that the probiotic Bi-07™ may provide health benefits to elderly individuals by increasing the activity of phagocytic cells.”

Upon completion of a screening process, 40 healthy elderly volunteers were found to be eligible for the study and were randomly divided into four groups. A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over study was designed. Volunteers were randomized to four groups that consumed the study products in random order in four periods. Supplements were provided for 21 days, with a 28-day wash-out period that has been effective in previous studies with B. lactis and GOS.

Blood, saliva and fecal samples were taken from the study subjects to analyze markers of immune function and microbiota composition. The phagocytic activity was analyzed using fluorescent bacteria that were incubated in blood samples containing phagocytes. The number of bacteria in the phagocytes was detected by using flow cytometry.

Researchers concluded that Bi-07 consumption improved innate phagocytic activity of monocytes and granulocytes in healthy elderly. This could be beneficial to elderly who suffer from decreased phagocytic activity and higher susceptibility to infections. Supplementation with GOS or with the synbiotic combination of GOS and Bi-07 did not have an impact on any of the parameters that were measured.

The combined resources within DuPont Nutrition & Health help manufacturers create products with a healthier profile, and that actively promote good health, to address consumer needs in digestive health, immune health, heart health, muscle health and weight management. The company’s capabilities are applied with a focus on the specific needs of key industry segments, including bakery, beverages, bars and snacks, dairy, meat, ready meals, pediatric nutrition and dietary supplements. DuPont Nutrition & Health recently launched its new HOWARU Protect probiotic range to address the need for improved immunity in different consumer segments.