Benefits of Probiotics Could Extend Beyond Gastrointestinal System
A recent study shows that the health benefits of probiotics may extend beyond the gastrointestinal system (G.I) to the entire body. Data from this study indicate that the anti-inflammatory and pathogen protection benefits of the probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 may have multi-faceted benefits.
Inflammatory responses are key parts of the immune system’s battle against invaders. The normal response to infection is rapid and effective; however the immune response may cause damage to healthy tissues, occasionally resulting in organ failure according to the study.
“Inflammation is a major factor in a number of chronic diseases affecting millions of people and can cause an unwanted impact on healthy tissue,” according to the lead investigator Dr. Liam O’Mahony. “Past research has shown the probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 can positively impact the body’s immune defense and this most recent data suggests that the benefits are not restricted to the gastrointestinal system.”
Inflammation is associated with such diseases as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, organ transplants, and type 1 diabetes. Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 has previously shown ability to modulate the inflammatory response in a clinical trial of patients who had irritable bowel syndrome. This new study suggests an extension of these benefits to a larger portion of our functional system other than the G.I. tract.
The study design examined the effect of Bifidobacterium administration on immunity to Salmonella in mice. Animals that received the noted strain of Bifidobacterium showed dramatically increased numbers of specific immune cells that control the immune system response to harmful pathogens, in this particular case, Salmonella.
Data also showed increased numbers of T-regulatory cells (T-reg) that suppress inflammatory conditions in a multi-faceted array of auto-immune diseases. Administration of Bifodobacterium 35624 resulted in a proliferation of T-cells while protecting the host from excessive inflammation during the course of infection. Researchers concluded that the introduction of the Bifodobacterium probiotic results in enhanced protection from infection while limiting pro-inflammatory damage caused by activation of the innate immune system.
Again, more research is needed. Better statistical design and the use of human subjects will be the next step in the research process.
Citation: O’Mahony C, Scully P, O’Mahony D, Murphy S, et al. (2008). Commensal –Induced Regulatory T Cells Mediate Protection against Pathogen-Stimulated NF-kB Activation. Plos Pathog 4(8):e1000112.doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.000112.
About the author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
