Probiotics and Immune Function
After mentioning in one of my recent posts that Perkii probiotic drinks (www.perkii.com) contain the probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. Paracasei (L. Casei 431?) that has been shown to provide immunity enhancing benefits in human clinical trials, I received a message inquiring about those trials, and so thought I’d share for others.
Three studies investigated the administration and effect of L. Casei 431? on immune function in humans. All three studies are published, randomised, double-blind and controlled trials (total participants 1262). A vaccine was used in each of the trials to challenge the immune system in a controlled manner.
The available evidence from the studies indicated that there was a “causal relationship between intake of L.Casei 431? and immune function in adults”, with benefits to the immune system in adults consuming a daily intake of L. Casei 431? (with intake defined as at least 1 billion CFU).
In all three studies, L.Casei 431 was injected in acidified milk, while it is important to note Perkii uses ProGel? encapsulation technology to protect the L.Casei from the stomach’s acidic environment. The studies are summarised below.
Study 1: Jespersen et al. Effect of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, L. casei 431 on immune response to in?uenza vaccination and upper respiratory tract infections in healthy adult volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, Am J Clin Nutr 2015;101:1188–96.
Hypothesis: whether supplementation with the probiotic strain L.Casei 431? improves the immune response to an influenza vaccine.
Method: Study was conducted for 6 weeks (indigestion of L.Casei 431? in acidified milk); 3 weeks prior to receiving the vaccination and 3 weeks following. Participants were asked not to consume any other form of fermented food during that time.
Outputs: Immune function assessment: Any specific response to the influenza vaccine and the incidence, duration and severity of common cold and influenza-like illness.
Results: Analysis demonstrated that the daily consumption of L.Casei 431? shortened the duration of common cold and the influenza-like illness, and this was statistically significant. Influenza-like illness from 8.1 days to 4.8 days (3.3 days shorter); Common cold from 6.8 days to 6.1 days (0.7 days shorter).
Study 2: Rizzaedini et al., Evaluation of the immune bene?ts of two probiotic strains Bi?dobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, BB-12 ? and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei, L. casei 431 ? in an in?uenza vaccination model: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, British Journal of Nutrition 2012;107: 876–84.
Hypothesis: whether the probiotic strain L.Casei 431? has an affect on the immune response to an influenza vaccine.
Method: Study was conducted for 6 weeks (indigestion of L.Casei 431? in acidified milk); 2 weeks prior to receiving the vaccination and 4 weeks following. Participants were asked not to consume any other form of fermented food during that time.
Outputs: Immune function assessment; a response to the influenza vaccine through specific immune antigens.
Results: Analysis demonstrated within the probiotic group a significant increase from baseline in specific immune antigens, suggesting that the daily consumption of L.Casei 431? can improve immune function.
Study 3: De Vrese et al., Probiotic bacteria stimulate virus-specific neutralizing antibodies following a booster polio vaccination, Eur J Nutr 2005;44:406–413.
Hypothesis: whether supplementation of probiotic strains (including L.Casei 431?) affects the immune response to a polio vaccine.
Method: Study was conducted for 5 weeks (indigestion of L.Casei 431? in acidified milk); 1 week prior to receiving the vaccination and 5 weeks following. Participants were asked not to consume any other form of fermented food during that time.
Outputs: Immune function assessment; Any specific response to the polio vaccine through the immune’s protective neutralising antibodies and specific antibodies to the vaccine.
Results: Analysis demonstrated an increase in virus neutralising antibodies to suggest that the daily consumption of L.Casei 431? may provide systemic protection of cells from virus infections.