Probiotic-Enriched Diet May Help Reduce Inflammation Markers

As we age, levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the blood and tissues tend to increase, a condition called inflammageing. According to a recent study, consuming a probiotic-enriched diet for 6 months may help reduce markers of inflammation in mature adults. 

For their study, researchers enrolled 97 adults over the age of 65. They were assigned to a diet enriched with 5 billion CFU’s the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei daily or a placebo diet for 6 months. Food products that were enriched with the probiotics included yogurt, mozzarella cheese, fruit smoothies, ricotta cheese, primo sale cheese, and chocolate. 

Fecal samples were used to evaluate gut microbiota composition at baseline and at the end of the study period. Blood samples were used to measure inflammation markers. 

Participants in the probiotic diet saw significant increases in fecal levels of beneficial bacteria and significant decreases in unfriendly bacteria levels compared to baseline. They also saw significant reductions in the inflammation marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein compared to the placebo group. In addition, short-chain fatty acid levels increased in the probiotic diet group. 

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Camerino. It was published online ahead of print on July 30, 2022 in the Journal of Applied MIcrobiology. 

In a previous study, a higher omega-3 index was associated with lower systemic inflammation.