Researchers: Lina Tingö, Ashley N Hutchinson, Cecilia Bergh, Lena Stiefvatter, Anna Schweinlin, Morten G Jensen, Kirsten Krüger, Stephan C Bischoff, Robert J Brummer
Probiotic and omega-3 supplements have been shown to reduce inflammation, and dual supplementation may have synergistic health effects. We investigated if the novel combination of a multi-strain probiotic (containing B. lactis Bi-07, L. paracasei Lpc-37, L. acidophilus NCFM, and B. lactis Bl-04) alongside omega-3 supplements reduces low-grade inflammation as measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in elderly participants in a proof-of-concept, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel study (NCT04126330). In this case, 76 community-dwelling elderly participants (median: 71.0 years; IQR: 68.0-73.8) underwent an intervention with the dual supplement (n = 37) or placebo (n = 39) for eight weeks. In addition to hs-CRP, cytokine levels and intestinal permeability were also assessed at baseline and after the eight-week intervention. No significant difference was seen for hs-CRP between the dual supplement group and placebo. However, interestingly, supplementation did result in significant increases in the level of the anti-inflammatory marker IL-10. In addition, dual supplementation increased levels of valeric acid, further suggesting the potential of the supplements in reducing inflammation and conferring health benefits. Together, the results suggest that probiotic and omega-3 dual supplementation exerts modest effects on inflammation and may have potential use as a non-pharmacological treatment for low-grade inflammation in the elderly.
References
- Nutritional Modulation of Immune Function: Analysis of Evidence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Relevance.
- The Effect of Probiotics on Health Outcomes in the Elderly: A Systematic Review of Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Studies.
- The role of omega-3 in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.
- Evidence-based nutritional and pharmacological interventions targeting chronic low-grade inflammation in middle-age and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Topic: Gut health in elderly