Study finds probiotics may help one fight off the flu

A new clinical study sponsored by Chr. Hansen and conducted in cooperation with a hospital and the University of Milan documents that supplementation with either of the strains BB-12 or L. casei 431 may improve the body's resistance to common infections such as flu and colds.

The study results showed that the antibody responses were significantly increased in both probiotic groups compared to placebo after a challenge of the immune system.

The study was presented on Oct. 28, 2010 at the 2nd World Congress on Immunity Ingredients, Malta.

"These results offer strong evidence that the functionality of the immune system can be improved by dietary supplementation with these probiotic strains. No drugs are available to improve the effects of vaccinations or to augment the level of immune mediated protection against infections. This can apparently be achieved with dietary supplementations," concludes study co-investigator Professor Mario Clerici, Director, Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, University of Milan, Italy.

The study investigated the impact of Chr. Hansen's probiotic strains BB-12 and L. casei 431 on the functional capacity of the immune system by measuring specific antibody responses to an influenza vaccination.

Antibody responses in such a vaccination model have been identified by experts as being the best marker currently available to evaluate the human immune response.

The study which was managed by Sprim Italy was conducted at the Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan and included 211 healthy adults.