Probiotics For Adults 50+
Probiotics for adults 50+
Intestinal health and immune support during aging
The human gut microbiome is a diverse and complex system including many different types of bacteria. During aging, the composition and diversity of the microbiome changes, and at the same time, the risk for low-grade inflammation increases. A chronic low-grade inflammation is strongly associated with increased risk for a wide range of age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and diabetes, osteoporosis, decreased cognitive functions etc.
The human aging process involves almost all organs throughout the body, with a gradual decline in function, including, a change in the GI composition. It has also been shown that the change in environmental habits, dietary factors and activity levels during aging has a detrimental effect on bacterial diversity and total amount of bacteria present in the gut.
One reason why the GI bacterial population changes with age is the number of antibiotic treatments we encounter in life. For many years now, it has been known that the use of antibiotics have adverse affects on the gut microbiome. Still, prescriptions of antibiotics increase, especially in the elderly population.
The adverse effects on intestinal health and immune function can be explained by bacterial dysbiosis, an increased intestinal permeability and by a suppression of several immune parameters in direct proximity to the exercise.
With age, there is also an increased risk for various GI dysfunctions and diseases. Many elderly suffer from constipation, stomach pain, diarrhea and flatulence, which in clinical studies have been found to be associated with a less beneficial microbial composition.
Intestinal permeability also increases with age, resulting in a leaky gut.
A decreased diversity, changed permeability and composition of the gut microbial environment also increases the risk for low-grade inflammations and the diseases associated with a less effective immune system. Moreover, an increased physical frailty has been shown to be associated with microbial changes.
Supplementation with a well-characterized and clinically supported probiotics can decrease the adverse health consequences described above Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6595 is suitable for the Adults 50+ promoting intestinal health and a strong immune function.
Short facts
- Strain: Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6595
- Indication: Improved intestinal health and enhanced immune system during aging
- Documentation: Multiple preclinical and clinical studies
Figure 1. Lactobacillus plantarum 6595 is a clinically documented and patent protected strain. Several studies have shown that L. plantarum 6595 survives the passage through the GI tract, and attaches to the intestinal cells through a specific mannosedependent binding mechanism. The bacteria can thereby exert its effects on the intestinal wall, and the immune system.
Benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum 6595:
- Survives the passage through the GI-tract and attaches to intestinal cells1
– main criterion to be active in the intestine - Reduces gut permeability and translocation 6
- Supports a healthy immune system 6,8-10
- Resulting in a well-balanced GI environment
Supporting preclinical and clinical studies
Lactobacillus plantarum 6595 possess direct anti-microbial activity against pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria, E coli, Yersinia, Shigella and others 2.
Three separate preclinical studies3-5 have shown a reduced translocation and intestinal permeability in animals after addition of L. plantarum 6595. One of the studies investigated the effect of L. plantarum 6595 in oatmeal fiber vs an elemental diet (control) in an animal model of induced enterocolitis4, and found the L. plantarum 6595 to significantly decrease bacterial translocation to both blood and organs compared to control (Figure 2).
Reduced intestinal permeability was also confirmed in a clinical study where patients with acute pancreatitis had a significantly reduced bacterial translocation after intake of L. plantarum 6595 6.
The anti-inflammatory effects of L. plantarum 6595 have been shown both in vitro7 and in several clinical studies 6,8-10. The incidence of infections was investigated in two separate studies, including totally 172 subjects undergoing surgical interventions. The studies were randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled with the supplementation of 109 cfu/day 8-9. The risk of achieving infections was significantly decreased in both studies; 30% vs 10% (p=0.01) in study 1 and 45% vs 13% (p=0.02) in study 2 (Figure 3).
1. Johansson et al. (1993) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 59:15-20.
2. Jacobsen et al. (1999) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 65:4949-4956.
3. Adawi et al. (1999) Micr. Ecol. in Health and Disease 11:47-54
4. Mao et al. (1997) Digestive Surgery 14: 284-291.
5. White et al. (2006) Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 42:19-23
6. Olah et al. (2002) Br. J. Surg. 89:1103-1107.
7. Pathmakanthan et al. (2004) J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 19:166-173.
8. Rayes et al. (2002a) Nutrition 18:609-615.
9. Rayes et al. (2002b) Transplantation 15:123-127.
10. Klarin et al. (2008) Crit. Care 12:R136
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6595 is a patent protected strain manufactured by Probi® USA