According to a new systematic review, probiotics may enhance cellular immune activity in healthy elderly adults.
Four clinical trials were included in this analysis. Data showed that B. lactis HN019™, a product from DuPont Nutrition and Health’s Danisco® range, was highly efficacious in increasing polymorphonuclear (PMN) phagocytic capacity and natural killer (NK) cell tumoricidal activity.
“This is the first Systematic Review and meta-analysis of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis HN019™ in relation to immune function in elderly – a highly relevant target group since elderly people have increased susceptibility to infections and cancer that are associated with decline in cellular immune function,” said Liisa Lehtoranta, research manager, DuPont Nutrition & Health.
Elderly people represent the fastest growing population globally. Typically, the elderly population has weaker immune responses to vaccination and elevated risk for infections, certain autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Several of these health risks are a consequence of weakening immune function associated with the aging process, also known as immunosenescence. Gut microbiota plays a significant role in immunosenescence, and is influenced by physiological aging process, lifestyle, and diet.
Research shows that gut microbiota of the elderly has specific features compared to microbiota of younger adults, such as lower levels of bifidobacteria and higher levels of Bacteroidetes spp. These changes in microbiota composition may be indicative of dysbiosis and poorer health. As such, targeted dietary interventions which restore microbiota composition could potentially help maintain overall health and improve the quality of the life of the elderly.
