Probiotics & Immunity: Can probiotics stimulate antibody production?
While dietary supplementation, nutrition and physical activity have been studied extensively for their respective roles in modulating the immune system response, specific strains of probiotics have also shown promise in the prevention of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).
Supplementation with probiotics has been reported to reduce the incidence, severity and duration of gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses. The beneficial effects are however dose and strain-specific. Evidence for the efficacy of probiotics surrounding respiratory illnesses has been shown in various sub-group populations including elderly, young, healthy, sedentary and highly trained athletes.
Which probiotic is best for upper respiratory tract infection?
A randomised trial by West et al. (2013) found that daily supplementation of Bifidobacterium lactis BI-04 was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of an URTI episode than to placebo supplementation.
Can probiotics stimulate antibody production?
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is one of the most studied probiotic strains that helps to influence the immune response by stimulating antibody production as well as improving phagocytic activity of blood leukocytes. Data also has shown to support LGG treatment of abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders and the prevention of diarrhoea in children.
In this same meta-analysis (Liu, S., et al. 2013), LGG compared to placebo was also shown to be associated with a reduction in the incidence of URTIs.
Can probiotics reduce the duration of illness of upper respiratory tract infection?
A meta-analysis of 20 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated that probiotics are capable of reducing the duration of illness of upper respiratory tract infection, and are associated with a statistically significant reduction sick days spent away from school, work and day care amongst those taking probiotics compared to placebo.The results of this review of a number of good quality RCTs suggests that probiotics can reduce duration of illness in otherwise healthy children and adults. It is important to note that different strains and doses of probiotics can have variable effects and some strains have more evidence than others.
Respiratory infections have also been reported to create dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract, for which probiotics have been extensively shown to play an important role in rebuilding the microflora.
Product that contains probiotic strains mentioned in this article:
IMUNI Specialised Probiotics+ is a premium, high quality blend of probiotics designed to support the immune system to fight illness; reduce occurrence of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections in healthy individuals; and relieve symptoms of medically diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome.
Lemon balm is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve symptoms of mild anxiety and stress, as well as digestive discomfort, indigestion, abdominal cramping, bloating and distension.
Ingredients and Amounts per Vegan capsule:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ibSium®) 250mg
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG 10 billion CFU
- Lactobacillus plantarum 10 billion CFU
- Bifidobacterium lactis BI-04 1 billion CFU
- Lemon balm 187.5mg
References:
- King, S., Glanville, J., Sanders, M., Fitzgerald, A., & Varley, D. (2014). Effectiveness of probiotics on the duration of illness in healthy children and adults who develop common acute respiratory infectious conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Nutrition, 112(1), 41-54.
- Laursen, R., & Hojsak, I. (2018). Probiotics for respiratory tract infections in children attending day care centres - a systematic review. European Journal of Pediatrics. 177, 979-994.
- Liu, S., Hu. PW., Du, X., Z, T., & Pei, X. (2013). Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Supplementation for Preventing Respiratory Infections in Children: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised, Placebo-controlled Trials. Indian Paediatrics, (50), 377-381.
- Microorganisms - Effects of a Lactobacilli Probiotic on Reducing Duration of URTI and Fever, and Use of URTI-Associated
- Medicine: A Re-Analysis of a Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Study, source: https://www.mdpi.com/
- West, N., Horn, P., Pyne, D., Gebski, V., Lahtinen, S., Fricker, P., & Cripps, A. (2013). Probiotic supplementation for respiratory and gastrointestinal illness symptoms in healthy physically active individuals. Clinical Nutrition Elsevier, 33(2014), 581-587.
Always speak with your doctor before taking any action regarding your health. Supplements have a wide range of potential effects and it's important to ensure that they are right for you. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
