Probi Defendum probiotic study finds benefits in fighting viral infections
16 Dec 2020 --- A strong bond between probiotics and immune health has been confirmed in a large-scale study by Probi. Touted as “the largest immune health study ever performed on probiotics,” the trial provides additional clinical validation to Probi Defendum’s immunity potential.
Probi Defendum is a probiotic immune concept based on a combination of the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 (HEAL9) and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 8700:2 strains.
Tom Rönnlund, CEO at Probi, notes that the benefits of a strong and healthy immune system are common knowledge, and this year in particular immunity is focalized due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“On average adults suffer from two to four episodes of common cold and upper respiratory tract infections per year and children as many as six to eight yearly episodes, which results in many sick days and absence from daycare and workplaces,” Rönnlund says.
“With these new data, we again show that Probi Defendum can safely be used to support a healthy immune system and its ability to fight the common cold.”
Large scale probiotic study
Marketed as “the largest immune health study ever performed on probiotics,” the trial provides additional clinical validation to Probi Defendum’s immunity potential.Almost 900 healthy adults took part in the study, over three winter seasons. The participants in the probiotic group experienced significantly fewer common cold episodes, compared to the placebo group and fewer recurring colds.
“Probi Defendum is now supported by four clinical studies, which repeatedly have shown a beneficial effect,” explains Titti Niskanen, director R&D & Clinical Operations at Probi.
“In addition, the study provided new data to support the hypothesized mechanism of action, i.e readying the immune system and supporting a complementary inflammatory response,” she continues.
Expansive tactics
Probi has had a very prolific year and has made moves to expand its reach and profits over the past year.
Recently, Probi acquired an almost 10 percent stake in Vital Nutrients Holdings for US$6 million. Probi has also revealed “strong” growth for Q3 2020, although it saw some negative impacts of COVID-19 in some regions.
Previously, the company explained that the overall effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business operations was “neutral,” which coincided with heightened demand for probiotics and immune health boosting products. With this financial forecast, Probi says it is set to double its annual sales within five to seven years.
Moreover, the company is collaborating with Örebro University and nine other Swedish companies to develop needle-free vaccines that use probiotics as carriers for the vaccine antigens. The researchers hope that the project will result in a new vaccine delivery technology that can be used in the fight against any future virus pandemics, like COVID-19.
Probi also released new clinical results with strong evidence of Probi probiotic supplements significantly reducing bone loss in post-menopausal women. This signifies the possible development of a new probiotic concept within the arena of bone health and osteoporosis.
By Kristiana Lalou
