Synbiotic to Potentially Improve Elderly Well-Being – Study

Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, the study found the probiotic-prebiotic combination increased the level of beneficial gut bacteria, improved immune and mucosal function and gave moderately enhanced bowel movements with no side effects.

21/01/09 A team of researchers at Danisco have produced promising results in a study of the potential synbiotic effect of dietary supplementation with a probiotic culture and prebiotic lactitol in healthy seniors.

Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, the study found the probiotic-prebiotic combination increased the level of beneficial gut bacteria, improved immune and mucosal function and gave moderately enhanced bowel movements with no side effects.

A total of 51 elderly Finnish subjects over 65 years of age, all healthy and all regular users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), took part in the double-blind parallel trial. The subjects were randomised to consume during 2 weeks either a placebo (sucrose) or a combination of lactitol and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM twice daily in a double-blind parallel trial. After the intervention, stool frequency was higher in the synbiotic group than in the placebo group and a significant increase in faecal L. acidophilus NCFM levels was observed in the synbiotic group, after baseline correction. In contrast to the generally held opinion, the study subjects had faecal Bifidobacterium levels that were similar to those reported in healthy young adults. These levels were, nevertheless, significantly increased by the intervention. Levels of SCFA were not changed significantly. Of the measured immune markers, PGE2 levels were different between treatments and IgA levels changed over time. These changes were modest which may relate to the fact that the volunteers were healthy. Spermidine levels changed over time which may suggest an improved mucosal integrity and intestinal motility. The results suggest that consumption of lactitol combined with L. acidophilus NCFM twice daily may improve some markers of the intestinal microbiota composition and mucosal functions.

“Reduced bowel and immune function are common problems in seniors. Use of NSAID may also affect their intestinal health, for example by damaging the mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract,” says Dr Arthur Ouwehand, leader of the research team at Danisco’s nutrition centre in Kantvik, Finland. “Our aim was to modify the intestinal microbiota and improve bowel function using a potential synbiotic.”

The probiotic culture used for the study was Danisco’s L. acidophilus NCFM, which was chosen for its ability to improve intestinal microbiota metabolism, gut health and associated immune function. Danisco lactitol, a prebiotic disaccharide polyol derived from lactose, was selected due to its ability to increase faecal bifidobacteria levels and bowel movements and to support the growth of L. acidophilus NCFM.

All these parameters were seen to improve following supplementation, although there was no conclusive evidence that the effect was synbiotic rather than additive.

 “While not specifically investigated, it was interesting that a number of subjects from the synbiotic group enquired whether and where the product could be purchased as it made them ‘feel good’,” Dr Ouwehand remarks. Further clinical studies of the individual effects of the probiotic and prebiotic are required to establish the existence of a real synbiotic benefit when the two are used in combination.

Lactitol, a sugar alcohol derived from milk sugar, is a unique and versatile reduced calorie and sugar free polyol sweetener. It can be used to replace sucrose in almost any application, having very similar technical and handling properties to those of sucrose. Lactitol is also an active and very versatile prebiotic. The role of a prebiotic is to selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon and preliminary studies have shown lactitol to be effective at low usage levels (10g/day), which will not compromise the taste or texture of the product. This intake level and higher amounts have been shown to be well tolerated with no adverse effects.

Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM is one of the best documented probiotic strains of this species and has been commercially available in the food and supplement industries for over 30 years. First isolated from a human source in the early 1970 by researchers at North Carolina State University, the strain is mentioned in over 75 publications in peer-reviewed journals, more than 20 of which refer to human studies. The research on Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM is focused on intestinal health, but not limited to that. Studies have shown that Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM can improve intestinal ecology and functionality as well as stimulate specific immunity. As a result the strain is able to maintain the balance of a healthy microbiota and improves intestinal comfort.

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