European Journal of Food Research & Review, ISSN: 2231-0878,Vol.: 1, Issue.: 3 (October-December)

Research Paper

Influence of a Probiotic Milk Drink, Containing Lactobacillus Paracasei Lpc-37, on Immune Function and Gut Microbiota in Elderly Subjects

Sofia D. Forssten^1*, Nuria Salazar², Patricia López², Janne Nikkilä³, Arthur C. Ouwehand¹, Ángeles Patterson⁴, Patricia Ruas-Madiedo², Ana Suarez⁴, Sonia Gonzalez⁴ and Miguel Gueimonde²

Immunosenescence and alterations in the intestinal microbiota are associated with aging. Immune functions, as well as the intestinal microbiota, can potentially be modified and improved by probiotics, thus being particularly beneficial to elderly consumers. The ability of Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 to modulate immune markers including phagocytic activity, natural killer (NK) cell activity and cytokine profiles, as well as composition and activity of the intestinal microbiota, in healthy elderly subjects was investigated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Only very limited effects in the measured blood or faecal immune markers or intestinal microbiota could be detected between the fermented milk drinks with or without probiotics. Thus, no significant immunological or microbial effects of the probiotic fermented milk could be detected in this study population.

Keywords :

Elderly; probiotic; L. paracasei; immune functions; C. difficile.

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