A new study from DuPont appears to prove the beneficial effect that probiotics have on immune function in the elderly.
The research suggests that daily consumption of the bacterium bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis HN019 B enhances cellular immune activity in healthy, elderly adults.
Four clinical trials were included in the analysis, which has positive repercussions for DuPont’s Danisco probiotics.
Liisa Lehtoranta, research manager for DuPont Nutrition & Health, said: “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.”
Elderly people represent the fastest growing population globally, and they typically have weaker immune responses to vaccination and elevated risk for infections, certain autoimmune diseases and cancer. These health risks are a consequence of weakening immune function associated with the aging process, DuPont pointed out.
Gut microbiota – the composition of bacteria in the gut – plays a significant role in protecting the immune system against ageing; a study earlier this month from Japanese dairy company Morinaga confirmed that microbiota changes as consumers get older.
Ole Danielsen, global marketing director of dietary supplements for DuPont Nutrition & Health, said: “We understand people have varying nutritional needs at different stages of their life. Our probiotics have a clear individual benefit with scientific support for a specific target group. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. With this in mind, we designed DuPont Howaru Protect Senior to meet the requirements of a senior target group.”
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