The Effectiveness of <b><i>Lactobacillus</i></b> Beverages in Controlling Infections among the Residents of an Aged Care Facility: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Trial

Abstract

Backgrounds/Aims: To clarify the usefulness of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS)-fermented milk in the normalization of bowel movements and improvement of infection control for the elderly residents and staff of facilities for the elderly. Methods: A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind test was performed among the elderly residents (average age, 85) and staff members (average age, 37) of facilities for the elderly. The participants randomly received either LcS-fermented milk or a placebo beverage once daily for 6 months. Clinical data and enteric conditions were compared between the 2 groups. Results: A significantly lower incidence of fever and improved bowel movements were seen in the LcS-fermented milk group (n = 36) in comparison to the placebo group (n = 36). The numbers of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were significantly higher (p < 0.01), the numbers of destructive bacteria such as Clostridium difficile were significantly lower (p < 0.05), and the fecal acetic acid concentration and total acidity were significantly higher in the LcS group. A significant difference in the intestinal microbiota, fecal acetic acid, and pH was also observed between the LcS and placebo groups among the facility's staff members. Conclusions: The long-term consumption of LcS-fermented milk may be useful for decreasing the daily risk of infection and improving the quality of life among the residents and staff of facilities for the elderly.

Association between Yogurt Consumption and Intestinal Microbiota in Healthy Young Adults Differs by Host Gender

“…Lactobacillus community, including L. gasseri subgroup, predominates the human vaginal microbiota worldwide (Lamont et al, 2011; Ravel et al, 2011; Kurakawa et al, 2015b). Furthermore, the ingestion of exogenous Lactobacillus is also known to up-regulate the intestinal carriage of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus (Wang et al, 2015; Nagata et al, 2016). Therefore, it may be reasonable to hypothesize that vaginal lactobacilli, if translocated to gut, might increase the intestinal Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus carriage.…”

Probiotic Supplements Beneficially Affect Tryptophan–Kynurenine Metabolism and Reduce the Incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Trained Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…Dietary supplements containing probiotics can modify the population of the gut microflora and may provide a practical means of enhancing gut and systemic immune function, which was shown to be beneficial by reducing the infection frequency in sensible groups, e.g., elderly in group homes or children [24,25]. However, studies in these subject groups might not be reflective of athletes who have different gut microbiota [26].…”

Clostridium difficile in the ICU

“…When compared to a resident control group drinking a placebo beverage, stool studies from the experimental LcS group showed significantly higher number of both Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus (p < 0.01), significantly lower number of destructive bacteria such as C. difficile (p < 0.05), and a higher fecal acetic acid concentration. This study was also conducted among the facility's staff and a significant difference in the intestinal microbiota, fecal acetic acid, and pH was also observed between the LcS and placebo groups [100].…”

“…There is some evidence to support that plant based diets may reduce the number of pathobionts such as C. difficile and increase the number of protective species such as Lactobacillus [100][101][102][103]. Altered flora with resulting altered bile metabolism within the gut by flora favored by plant-based diets have implications in colonocyte protection [102].…”