Probiotic shows “great potential” in aiding malnutrition among the elderly, study finds

29 Aug 2022 --- Research investigating the potential link between immunity, microbiota and malnutrition suggests that probiotics can positively influence malnutrition among the elderly. The study was conducted by the Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai.

The 12-week experiment included an elderly population suffering from malnutrition. The participants were provided with Clostridium butyricum, which is commonly used as a probiotic in Asia. Compared to the control group, there was an observed alteration in the gut microbiome. 

“Based on our results obtained during a relatively short intervention time, Clostridium. butyricum might have great potential for improving nutrition and immunity in elderly people in long-term care with malnutrition through the alteration of gut microbiota, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria and activating the metabolism in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and cofactor/vitamin production, bile acid metabolism, along with efficient energy generation.”

There was an increased presence of “Coprobacillus species, Carnobacterium divergens, and Corynebacterium Massiliense, and the promoted growth of the beneficial organisms Akkermansia muciniphila and Alistipes putredinis,” the study notes.

Malnutrition on a global scaleClostridium butyricum showed positive effects of probiotic modulation on gut microbiota and overall health in elderly. 
Published in nutrients, the mean age of the participants was 83.2 years old, with a standard deviation of 5.3 years. Experiments were carried out through nutrition indicators and plasma samples were collected. 

“The findings revealed the positive effect of C. butyricum on elderly people with malnutrition in relation to multiple aspects of health and promoted our understanding of the effect of probiotic modulation on gut microbiota and health,” the study notes.

According to recent studies, the issue of malnutrition exists on a global scale, especially among women and children. Several contributing factors, such as climate change, inflation, and supply chain shortages, have worsened the impact of malnutrition since the Ukraine war started. 

The role of the gut microbiome
Increased awareness of the microbiome’s function has increased consumer demand for probiotics. Since immune health awareness increased primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the gut-brain axis has also received increased attention due to its role in overall health, particularly immunity. 

The researchers highlight that immunity can be affected by the gut microbiome, which is affected by malnutrition. A damaged gut can cause a leakage leading to several possible diseases.

“Research advances examining the gut microbiome and its association with human health have indicated that microbiota-targeted intervention is a promising means for health modulation,” the study notes.

“A further study with a larger sample size and more comprehensive analysis may be needed to thoroughly understand the impact and mechanism of probiotics on the health of elderly people with malnutrition,” it concludes.

Edited by Beatrice Wihlander

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