Probiotic Bifidobacterium Lactis Shows Immune Support for Elderly People

Improvements in the activity of white blood cells in elderly adults, a group of individuals with a higher chance of infections, may occur with daily supplementation of the Probiotic strain containing Bifidobacterium Lactis.

37 healthy older adults participated in this double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized cross-over study.  Participants were randomly assigned to receive a Prebiotic (GOS), a Probiotic containing Bifidobacterium Lactis, a combination of a prebiotic (GOS) and probiotic containing Bifidobacterium Lactis or a placebo.  The supplements were taken for 21 days with a 28 day wash-out period.  Participants supplementing with the Probiotic containing the Bifidobacterium Lactis strain showed higher phagocytic activity of granulocytes and monocytes when compared to the group supplementing with the placebo.  Phagocytosis is the process in which immune cells basically eat bacteria or infected cells and is one of the ways that help the body resist infections.  This study showed that the Probiotic strain Bifidobacterium Lactis may help elderly individuals increase the activity of these phagocytic cells.

Researchers concluded that supplementing with the Bifidobacterium Lactis strain of friendly bacteria may provide long term benefits to the health of elderly individuals by not aiding to the inflammation-associated metabolic disorders.  Additionally they believe that this strain of friendly bacteria enhances the innate immune defense against infections.

Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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Data Supports Increased Role for Probiotics, Prebiotics in Healthy Aging

Gut dysbiosis (when the bacteria in the gut are out of balance) has commonly been associated with aging and the afflictions of aging.  Worldwide the implications of aging populations have become a major issue.

Alzheimer’s Disease:

4 bacterial strains common to all participants with Alzheimer’s Disease have been isolated in a recent study on Japanese Alzheimer’s Disease.  Studies also have shown reduced gut microbial diversity has been associated with this disease.

Osteoporosis:

Most of the microbiome data for this disease has come from mouse models.  A recent study has shown strains of Lactobacillus have been associated with increases in bone mass in addition to changes in the microbiota in the gut.  It has also been shown that prebiotics may actually increase Calcium absorption when taken together.

Sarcopenia, CVD Evidence:

There have been certain studies that link the prevention of muscle loss in mice with leukemia and probiotic supplementation.  Prebiotics have been shown to improve muscle function in humans when measuring grip strength.

Studies linking gut microbiome to both positive and negative roles in heart disease have been performed.  Certain aspects of gut dysbiosis have been linked with increased levels of trimethylamine-N-oxides in the liver which have been known to cause the formation of arterial plague.

Overall it is believed that the combination of lifestyle interventions that change the diversity or composition of gut microbiota, adequate exercise, and proper diet may be a key strategy in the maintenance of good health during the aging process.

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Prebiotics’ and Probiotics’ Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant Properties Useful to NAFLD Patients

A new population study found daily supplementation with a prebiotic and probiotic supplement can reduce inflammation and increase antioxidant capacity in patients with NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).  Oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with NAFLD.  Prior research has shown prebiotics and probiotics having anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. 75 individuals with NAFLD participated in this study.  Participants were randomized into four groups: group one received a probiotic supplement containing 20 milllion CFUs (colony-forming units) of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) and Bifidobacterium longum (BL) daily, group two received prebiobics (10g of daily inulin), group three received the pre and probiotic supplements daily and the last group received a placebo.  The study period lasted 3 months.  Prior to and after the study period participant’s levels of inflammation, oxidatives and anti-oxidatives, and anthropometic indexes (Anthropometric measurements are used to assess the size, shape and composition of the human body) were taken. Participants who supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics or a combination of the two experienced a reduction in BMI,  smaller waist and hip circumferences, weight loss, reduced tumor necrosis factor-a and increased serum levels of total antioxidant capacity. Additionally participants who supplemented with both the prebiotics and probiotics saw reductions in high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) compared to all the other groups of participants. Further studies using increased numbers of participants and a longer-term follow up are needed to better support the conclusions reached in this study. ASK US. WE KNOW. NOBODY KNOWS NUTRITION LIKE WE DO. NOBODY! http://naturesvitaminsonline.com http://earthwiseLF.com

Digestive Health Digest

In the past, when discussing digestive health, products targeting the prevention of gas and bloating, indigestion, diarrhea and constipation were in the forefront.  Specific conditions usually addressed were Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Colon Cancer prevention and general support for healthy elimination.  Products like Fiber and Oat Bran were touted as providing cardiovascular support as well as reducing the risks of colon cancer and promoting increased regular elimination.  Today people are beginning to understand that there is a connection between overall wellness and digestive health. They are taking a more proactive role in searching for products that support this health connection without looking to necessarily treat a specific condition.

Probiotics have taken the center stage as more studies show the connection between digestive health and overall wellness.  Ensuring that the Probiotics available contain the correct strains and a proper transport system are keys to realizing the benefits Probiotics are able to provide.  Up and coming interest in digestive health support supplements are in the areas of Prebiotics and Digestive Enzymes.

Prebiotics help the body produce its own friendly bacteria while Probiotics involve introducing foreign strains of friendly bacteria into the digestive tract.  Prebiotics basically insure success of the Probiotic strains in the gut.  They are synergistic in that taken together they provide the maximum benefits available for digestive health.

While not as well known as Probiotics, Digestive Enzymes are also critical for optimal digestive health.  As we age our body natural slows down its production of Digestive Enzymes.  Additionally stressful situations as well as over processing of our food sources may cause a lack of Digestive Enzyme production in our intestinal system.  Without adequate Digestive Enzymes feelings of bloating and increased gas production may be experienced.  A reduction in nutrient absorption also occurs which may lead to a reduction in overall immunity and health as well as digestive disturbances.

According to the National Digestive Disease Clearinghouse approximately 60 to 70 million people are affected by digestive conditions every year.  Taking a proactive role to supporting healthier digestive health seems to be a step in the right direction.

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