Combination of the Probiotics Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12 Has Limited Effect on Biomarkers of Immunity and Inflammation in Older People Resident in Care Homes: Results From the Probiotics to Reduce Infections iN CarE home reSidentS Randomized, Controlled Trial

Abstract

Aging is associated with a decline in many components of the immune system (immunosenescence). Probiotics may improve the immune response in older people. The objective was to determine the effect of the combination of two probiotic organisms [Lacticaseibacillus (previously known as Lactobacillus) rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12 (BB-12)] on a range of immune biomarkers measured in the blood of older people resident in care homes in the UK. In a randomized controlled trial, older people [aged 67–97 (mean 86) years] resident in care homes received the combination of LGG+BB-12 (1.3–1.6 × 109 CFU per day) or placebo for up to 12 months. Full blood count, blood immune cell phenotypes, plasma immune mediator concentrations, phagocytosis, and blood culture responses to immune stimulation were all measured. Response to seasonal influenza vaccination was measured in a subset of participants. Paired samples (i.e., before and after intervention) were available for 30 participants per group. LGG and BB-12 were more likely to be present in feces in the probiotic group and were present at higher numbers. There was no significant effect of the probiotics on components of the full blood count, blood immune cell phenotypes, plasma immune mediator concentrations, phagocytosis by neutrophils and monocytes, and blood culture responses to immune stimulation. There was an indication that the probiotics improved the response to seasonal influenza vaccination with significantly (p = 0.04) higher seroconversion to the A/Michigan/2015 vaccine strain in the probiotic group than in the placebo group (47 vs. 15%).

Nutrition and immunity: lessons for COVID-19

“…During a post-vaccination follow-up period, 50% of the frail older people developed influenza-like illness and 30% developed confirmed influenza; figures in the non-frail group were 10% and 5%, respectively, and again the pre-frail were intermediate between the frail and non-frail groups [ 9 ]. In a recent study, seroconversion of more frail older people to the four strains of a quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine was 8, 5, 0 and 8% while seroconversion in less frail older people was 23, 21, 23 and 26% [ 10 ]. That these immune impairments are of clinical significance comes from observations that less well-nourished hospitalised older people had a greater risk of infections than those who were better nourished [ 11 , 12 ].…”

Nutrition and immunity: lessons for COVID-19

“…IFN interferon, IL interleukin, ILCs innate lymphoid cells, MAIT mucosal associated invariant T, TGF transforming growth factor, TNF tumour necrosis factor. 26% [10]. That these immune impairments are of clinical significance comes from observations that less well-nourished hospitalised older people had a greater risk of infections than those who were better nourished [11,12].…”

Probiotic potential of GABA-producing lactobacilli isolated from Uruguayan artisanal cheese starter cultures

“…Strains from our collection were identified using partial sequencing of the rRNA gene 16S. All isolates belonged to the Lpb and the Lcb groups, which contain several strains of already proven probiotics and exert effects on multiple levels of the host system (Castro‐Herrera et al, 2021; Galdeano & Perdigón, 2006; Garcia‐Gonzalez et al, 2021). Lactobacilli are a highly heterogeneous group and the 16S sequence is only informative enough to identify recognized sub‐groups (Hill et al, 2018; Zheng et al, 2020).…”