Probiotics and the Intestinal Microflora: What Impact on the Immune System, Infections and Aging?

Abstract

This review summarizes the results of the Danone International Probiotics Convention which examined the most recent science available on the impact of probiotics and intestinal microflora on human health. This is the second convention organized by Danone following that devoted to the 'Intelligent Intestine' which was held in Paris in June 2002 [1]. The 2003 Convention was devoted to recent scientific progress in the various field of the life sciences, enabling, not only enhanced elucidation of what happens in the body when we eat probiotics, examining properties of those microorganisms of particular value in terms of well-being and health.Probiotics are, in fact, first of all, foods that, when eaten regularly, have a role, specific to each strain, which is exercised in the host procuring beneficial assistance to various systems in addition to the conventional nutritional health benefits when consumed as a dairy product [2].It is indispensable to provide scientific proof of that activity by developing and publishing pertinent research papers, both scientific and clinical.The Nice Convention enabled the findings of numerous scientists working in the field to be pooled and shed new light on the future of probiotics.

Effect of probiotic lactobacilli on faecal enzyme and genotoxic activity in human faecal water in the presence of the carcinogen PhIP in vitro

“…With ageing, increased numbers of facultative anaerobes, in conjunction with a decrease in beneficial micro‐organisms such as the anaerobic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, among other anaerobes, have been reported. Increase in Fusobacterium, Clostridium and Eubacterium , and decrease in Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium are observed (Blaut et al. 2006).…”

“…With ageing, increased numbers of facultative anaerobes, in conjunction with a decrease in beneficial micro-organisms such as the anaerobic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, among other anaerobes, have been reported. Increase in Fusobacterium, Clostridium and Eubacterium, and decrease in Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium are observed (Blaut et al 2006). Because of the change and higher pH (7.0-7.5), proteolytic processes start to dominate in colon, which leads to increase in toxic metabolites production (ammonia, phenoles, skatoles, indoles).…”

Role of probiotics to combat viral infections with emphasis on COVID-19

“…Administration of a modified diet with proper nutritional food habits may modulate the microbial community. The use of probiotics is safe and represent beneficial provision to prevent or treat various elderly disorders (Blaut et al 2006 ). The efficiency of treatment of older adults with Bif.…”

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

“…Common problems encountered in seniors are reduced bowel function and reduced immune function. Both may be associated with changes in the composition and activity of the intestinal microbiota ( 1 , 2 ) .…”