Two Probiotic Strains Shown Effective In Strengthening The Immune System Against Viruses

Italian scientists have found evidence in a clinical study that supplementation with either of two proprietary probiotic strains (BB-12 or L. casei 431) improves the body’s resistance to common infections such as flu and colds. The study was sponsored by the developer of the strains, Danish food ingredients maker Chr. Hansen. The clinical study involving 211 healthy adults showed that antibody responses were significantly increased in both probiotic groups compared to a placebo after a challenge to the immune system from a flu virus vaccination. Antibody responses to a vaccination model of this type are considered the best marker available to assess the human immune response. The study was conducted at the Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan.