Influence of a combination ofLactobacillus acidophilusNCFM and lactitol on healthy elderly: intestinal and immune parameters

Abstract

With increasing age, a number of physiological changes take place which are reflected in immune and bowel function. These changes may relate to the commonly assumed age-related changes in intestinal microbiota; most noticeably a reduction in bifidobacteria. The current study aimed at modifying the intestinal microbiota with a potential synbiotic on selected immune and microbiota markers. Healthy elderly subjects were randomised to consume during 2 weeks either a placebo (sucrose) or a combination of lactitol and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM twice daily in a double-blind parallel trial. After the intervention, stool frequency was higher in the synbiotic group than in the placebo group and a significant increase in faecal L. acidophilus NCFM levels was observed in the synbiotic group, after baseline correction. In contrast to the generally held opinion, the study subjects had faecal Bifidobacterium levels that were similar to those reported in healthy young adults. These levels were, nevertheless, significantly increased by the intervention. Levels of SCFA were not changed significantly. Of the measured immune markers, PGE 2 levels were different between treatments and IgA levels changed over time. These changes were modest which may relate to the fact that the volunteers were healthy. Spermidine levels changed over time which may suggest an improved mucosal integrity and intestinal motility. The results suggest that consumption of lactitol combined with L. acidophilus NCFM twice daily may improve some markers of the intestinal microbiota composition and mucosal functions.

Sugar alcohols—their role in the modern world of sweeteners: a review

“…Similarly to other sugar alcohols, it also does not contribute to dental caries [10,45]. Lactitol also acts as a prebiotic that is capable of promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, but also reduces the population of putrefactive bacteria selectively and lowers the intestinal pH as well as the production and absorption of ammonia [45,46,48,50,51]. Lactitol was also applied in treating encephalopathy and constipation [52][53][54][55][56].…”

A Combination of Prebiotic Inulin and Oligofructose Improve Some of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Women with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…26 Also, inulin-type fructans may contribute to cholesterol reduction by increasing fecal bile acid excretion, reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption, as well as increasing of the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-COA reductase (HMG-COA reductase). 27 Their impact on TLR4 signaling and proinflammatory cytokines might be explaining the role of their lipid lowering. 28 Prebiotics might also improve glycemic status via increasing insulin sensitivity with their impact on gene expression which involved in reduction of inflammatory activity and adiposity.…”

Nutrition, diet and immunosenescence

“…12 immune parameters. One study found that faecal levels of PGE 2 were significantly increased in elderly subjects (≥ 65 years) after 2 weeks consumption of lactitol and L. acidophilus NCFM, as well as increases in bifidobacteria numbers (Ouwehand et al, 2009). This indicates an improvement in mucosal function and possibly the mucosal immune system which can impact on circulatory immune cells.…”