A new study, published in the journal Beneficial Microbes in a collaborative effort between IFF (formerly known as DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, elucidated the mechanism by which two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. Lactis Bi-07, can have a significant impact on a simulated viral immune response in blood cells collected from young children taking probiotics.
 
Typically, viral infections result in an inflammatory response that causes symptoms of the common cold. When administered to children undergoing a simulated viral immune response of this kind, the research team found that after 30 days, probiotics supplementation resulted in a pronounced anti-inflammatory response – comparable to pre-supplementation levels of cytokines – that could explain the reduced incidence of respiratory infection symptoms observed in a prior clinical trial in children with the same probiotics.
 
In total, results of a 30-day supplementation regimen were recorded in a total of 19 children who were given a simulated viral immune response.
 
The study was a pilot open label clinical trial, and the children involved were healthy and between the ages of 13 and 36 months – the strains used are marketed by FIF as HOWARU Protect Kids (10B CFU/day of L. acidophilus NCFM and B. lactis Bi-07) for 30 days. Investigators collected blood samples from the children at the beginning and end of the study, and isolated immune cells called peripheral blood monocytic cells (PBMCs). These immune cells were stimulated with a molecule that mimics a respiratory virus and then the cell’s production of cytokines and chemokines to this stimulus was measured, and compared between baseline prior probiotic intervention and then after the 30-day intervention. The probiotics were safe and well-tolerated.
 
“We are thrilled to further confirm the connection between probiotic supplementation and healthy immune response in children. This research propels us to further examine how we can continue to use probiotic bacteria to stimulate innate immune response in children and adults alike,” Dr. Liisa Lehtoranta, R&D manager for IFF, said.
 
“We have seen parents be very enthusiastic about giving a probiotic supplement to their children,” Dr. Gregory DeMuri, University of Wisconsin-Madison, said. “In this study, children who took a daily probiotic supplement showed an increase in immune functions that are believed to be involved with fighting cold viruses.”