Probiotics maintain intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A levels in healthy formula-fed infants: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

Formula-fed infants are more susceptible to infectious diseases because they lack the maternal immune factors transferred from breast milk, while their own immune system is still immature. As timely probiotic administration was suggested to promote immune system development in formula-fed infants, this study aimed at assessing the safety and the effects of a probiotic supplement (Bifidobacterium infantis R0033, Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071, and Lactobacillus helveticus R0052) on mucosal immune competence and digestive function in formula-fed infants. Healthy infants (3.5-6 months old) were randomised to receive either probiotic- (n=66) or placebo-supplemented (n=66) formula once a day for four weeks. In the probiotics group, faecal secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels remained similar between visit 2 (baseline; V2) and visit 3 (end-of-treatment; V3), but decreased in the placebo group. Changes in SIgA levels following treatment (log10ΔV3-V2 [95%CI]) between the probiotic and placebo groups were statistically significant (23 ng/dl [-57;102] and -137 ng/dl [-212;-62], respectively (P=0.0044; ANCOVA)). While log10ΔV3-V2 [95%CI] for salivary SIgA levels increased in both groups, this trend was more pronounced in the probiotics than in the placebo group with an increase of 123 ng/dl [9;236] and 37 ng/dL [-72;147], respectively (P=0.2829; ANCOVA). The weekly average number of stools/day was significantly higher in the probiotics group compared to placebo during the last week of treatment for the per protocol population. There was no difference in microbiota composition or anthropometric parameters between groups. No serious adverse event was reported, and all adverse events were mild and unrelated to the product or study. Our results show that formula-fed infants receiving probiotics maintained higher faecal SIgA levels at the end of the four-week treatment period, suggesting a positive effect of probiotics on SIgA production. This study demonstrates the safety of this probiotic formulation in infants. Formula-fed infants may benefit from probiotics supplementation to sustain the development of mucosal immunity.

Microbiota Modulating Nutritional Approaches to Countering the Effects of Viral Respiratory Infections Including SARS-CoV-2 through Promoting Metabolic and Immune Fitness with Probiotics and Plant Bioactives

“…The small amount of data on specific PB strains and outcomes, rather than a genuine lack of effects, was acknowledged. In infants, a PB-supplemented formula (B. infantis R0033, B. bifidum R0071, and L. helveticus R0052) was confirmed to sustain the development of mucosal immunity through effects on secretory IgA (sIgA) production [128]. sIgA accounts for 90% of the immunoglobulins in breast milk and protects the intestinal mucosa and prevents infections mainly by blocking the contact of pathogens with epithelial layer and trapping them within mucus layers [129].…”

“…sIgA accounts for 90% of the immunoglobulins in breast milk and protects the intestinal mucosa and prevents infections mainly by blocking the contact of pathogens with epithelial layer and trapping them within mucus layers [129]. sIgA in the intestine maintains controlled microbial colonization while preserving mucosal homeostasis in newborns [128]. In this context, PBs may benefit the immature immune system of formula-fed newborns that lack the vital first line of defense against pathogens.…”

Mucosal immunity–mediated modulation of the gut microbiome by oral delivery of probiotics into Peyer’s patches

“…Studies have highlighted that antigens recognized and sampled through M cells are main contributors to the efficient initiation of a homeostatic sIgA response ( 44 , 45 ). Although some probiotics are able to motivate sIgA production, the promotion has been limited in infants as the regular sIgA response after ablactation is dependent on the sampling of microbial antigens by M cells ( 46 , 47 ). We therefore measured the level of sIgA that was released into the intestinal fluid ( Fig.…”

A Whey Fraction Rich in Immunoglobulin G Combined with Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis ATCC 15697 Exhibits Synergistic Effects against Campylobacter jejuni

“…Notably, SDS-PAGE analysis of IGEP displayed trace bands between the 116 and 55 kDa markers that could be IgA components. Increased levels of secretory IgA (SIgA) in stools have been associated with infant formula supplemented with probiotics [ 38 ]. The commensal Bacteroides fragilis has been previously demonstrated to modulate binding of IgA to the intestinal mucosa suggesting that IgA may facilitate host-microbial symbiosis [ 39 ].…”