The probiotic LifeinU™ BSCU1 was tested in a clinical study suggesting immune stimulation, with the potential to decrease the frequency of winter infections.
Viral respiratory and gastrointestinal infections are predominant cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly, whose ageing immune system contributes significantly to poor outcomes. Probiotics have been suggested to protect against infectious diseases.
LifeinUTM BSCU1 is a specific strain of Bacillus subtilis, a safe and common bacterium registered in the CNCM collection under the number I-2745 and protected by a patent. It was tested in a clinical study conducted with the collaboration of Professor Philippe Marteau, head of gastroenterology of Saint Antoine Hospital in Paris and expert in immunology.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included one hundred healthy free -living seniors (60 to 74 years old). The participants took daily either the placebo or the probiotic (2.109 CFU per day), for 4 months.
Strengthening of Natural Defenses to Fight Infections
The study monitored, among others, the level of secretory immunoglobulins A (sIgA). These sIgA are immune system antibodies, secreted by the mucosal surfaces. They constitute the first line of defense against toxins and infectious agents. sIgA are key elements in the protection of respiratory and intestinal epithelium. Low rates of sIgA can weaken natural defenses increasing the risk of infection.
Results show that LifeinUTM BSCU1 is associated with an increase of both sIgA levels in the intestine (+ 87 %) and saliva (+ 45 %), inducing the strengthening of natural defenses to fight infections.
Reducing the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections
Age, but also intensive sports training, long-term use of medication, modern lifestyle which can leave us stressed, sleep deprived and fatigued, can induce the weakening of our natural defenses. The study also looked at the frequency of winter infections occurring during the intervention. In the course of a year, in the world or on a worldwide basis, most adults suffer a cold 2 to 4 times while children and the elderly experience it 4 to 10 times, according to some estimates!
The study shows, in a subpopulation of 44 subjects providing biological samples, that the consumption of LifeinUTM BSCU1 is associated with a 45 % reducing of the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections.
These results demonstrating that LifeinU™ BSCU1 may benefit for immune health are of particular interest, as immunity is now one of the major concerns for a lot of consumers.
Main results of the clinical study with LifeinUTM BSCU1
« Our study provides evidence that Bacillus subtilis CU1 supplementation during the winter period may be a safe effective way to stimulate immune responses in elderly subjects. »
Professor Philippe Marteau,
Head of Gastroenterology
at The Saint Antoine Hospital
in Paris and Expert in Immunology
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