Here comes winter and with it, the possibility of more easily contracting cold, flu and infectious diseases. But we can actually help our body fight against these risks. Indeed, we now know that probiotics can positively influence our intestinal immune response. The number of scientific publications on the subject has increased over the past years.
The Bifidobacterium longum BB536 probiotic is one of the most scientifically well documented. The last clinical studies have been done on elderly people. Since the immune function decreases with aging, they have been known to be more susceptible to various diseases. Studies have shown that BB536 protects them against influenza infection. Moreover, the results suggest that continuous intake of BB536 enhances NK cells and neutrophil activities (which are immunological markers) and significantly decreases the number of subjects affected by influenza or having fever, compared to subjects not taking BB536.
But, that is not all... we already know this strain is of great interest for promoting gastrointestinal health and regularity. Today, we can confirm that its efficiency goes beyond that. A new clinical study (spanning 2 years) has been done on over 200 patients treated with pelvic radiation. The results confirm that standard doses of Bifilact probiotic (a combination of BB536 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LAC361) can significantly reduce radiation induced diarrhea in these patients.
Knowing that most of our immune cells are located in our intestines, you can understand the great potential of such a product. So, aim for 'intestinal regularity’ and ‘modulation of our immune system’: two key targets to keep good health this winter.
Sandrine Briatte, B. Sc. Biochemistry, MSc Biology
Taken from Healthy Directions, Dec /Jan 2012
