Probiotic-rich Fermented Milk May Reduce Infections in the Elderly

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Probiotic-rich Fermented Milk May Reduce Infections in the Elderly

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Reference: " Improvement of nutritional status and incidence of

infection in hospitalized, enterally fed elderly by feeding of fermented

milk containing probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 (NCC533), "

Fukushima Y, British Journal of Nutrition, 2007; 98(5): 969-977.

(Address: Dr. Yoichi Fukushima, Nestle Japan Limited, Nutrition Business

Group, Tokyo, Japan; Nestlé Research Centre, Nestec Ltd, PO Box 44,

Vers-chez-les-Blanc, CH-1000 Lausanne 26, Switzerland. E-mail: Dr.

Yoichi Fukushima, yoichi.fukushima@... ).

Summary: In a double-blind study involving 24 elderly subjects over the

age of 70, supplementation with fermented milk containing the probiotic,

Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 was found to reduce the frequency of

infections. Subjects - inpatients who were fed 900 kcal (3768 kJ) per

day of total enteral nutrition through tube feeding for a period of 12

weeks - were divided into 2 groups. One group was administered 89 kcal

(373 kJ) per day of Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 (LC1) fermented milk

after being fed 811 kcal (3395 kJ) per day of enteral nutrition for 12

weeks. In the control group, 89 kcal (373 kJ) per day of the same

enteral nutrition was given instead of the LC1 fermented milk. During

the run-in observation period, subjects in the LC1 group experienced

infections 15.4% of days. This reduced significantly to 5.7% during the

intervention period. Other changes found included increases in blood

hemoglobin, serum albumin, and blood phagocytic activity (a natural

immunity marker), the latter of which improved in subjects whose initial

level was low. Decreases in TNF-alpha levels were found as well. No such

changes in these immunity markers were found in the control group. The

authors conclude, " Administration of fermented milk containing the

probiotic L. ii La1 may contribute to suppressing infections by

improving nutritional and immunological status in the elderly. "

--

ne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar@... >

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