Probiotics to Help Keep Your Family Healthy
Did you know that 70% of the immune system is located in the gut? Natural defenses represents the third reason for consumers to buy probiotics after digestive health and overall health. Probiotics are definitely one of the most interesting solutions to help boost the immune system. The relationship between the immune system and the gut microbiota is supported by a wide array of scientific evidence. The digestive microflora plays a key role in the development and maintenance of immune health through the gut immune system, the Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT). Lallemand Health Solutions has established an innovative scientific program, including in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies to evaluate the effects of probiotics dedicated to immunity. Research results validate a selection of specific strains proven to support natural defenses and to modulate the immune response for the whole family.
This comprehensive review recaps why Probiokid® has been the most popular pediatric probiotic product in the World in the last decade, with proof of efficacy to support immune system maturation and gut microflora.
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Since 2020, consumers’ behavior has evolved: 64% are now more conscious about their immunity and 43% about their mental well-being (FMCG Gurus). Beyond gut health support, probiotics have shown significant results in strengthening immunity, in helping with mood balance, and with occasional stress-induced gastrointestinal discomfort. Discover our Expert’Biotics, clinically documented solutions to support the whole family.
Natural defenses encompass both immunity and the defense of the gut. Today, the interactions between probiotics and immunity are increasingly well understood. Probiotics have been studied in specific populations like stressed students and elite athletes.
Read these blog articles to learn more:
- How could probiotics help stressed students boost their immune system?
- How probiotics boost natural defenses in elite athletes?
Defenses and tolerance: two sides of the same coin
The immune system’s main function is to protect the body by ensuring that any ‘non-self’ antigens are cleared from the body ; this is done by the immune system recognizing itself and other common environmental antigens (food, airborne substances, clothing, etc.) as ‘self’ and not a threat. In a perfect world, the immune system performs these two roles perfectly; this is homeostasis, or a healthy state. A proper balance is needed, an over aggressive immune system is not beneficial and counterproductive, and an under aggressive immune system is weak.
Probiotics and immunity: a close relationship
The relationship between the immune system and the gut microbiota is supported by a wide array of scientific evidence. The digestive microflora plays a key role in the development and maintenance of immune defenses. In the same way as the immune system, the digestive microbiota evolves through life, and its balance is impacted by many factors including stress, diet, age, etc. In this context, the use of probiotics, through their ability to balance and interact with the host microbiota has appeared as a potential strategy to positively influence the immune response. Over the past 15 to 20, years research has shown the effects of probiotics at different levels:
- First, they influence the barrier effect; probiotics ensure gut barrier integrity and prevent action from opportunistic microorganisms by adhering to epithelial cell lines, strengthening tight junctions, competing with other bacteria
- Then, certain probiotics have also the ability to stimulate the immune system to reinforce immune defenses, by increasing IgA levels or the ratio CD4+/CD8+. They can also participate to the modulation of a healthy immune response (atopic status)