Immune Health Gut Check #1

Between 70 and 80 percent of immunity is mediated in the gut. As part of the group of membranes that comprise the innate immune response, which enacts nonspecific actions toward pathogens, the gastrointestinal system and its mucosa, enzymes and microflora participate in limiting and dealing with invaders to the body.

Immune cells (including inflammatory compounds) and pathogens/antigens tend to be protein-based, and protease enzymes can help control the levels of these components by breaking them down at certain times. For instance, bromelain from pineapple has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, according to a 2010 review.1

Probiotics are known for blocking bacteria from adhering to gut receptors, but they also affect both innate and adaptive immunity by triggering production of antibodies, T cells and NK cells. Many 2010 study reports have added to the evidence showing such probiotic actions can produce beneficial immune health results.

A 2010 study conducted at Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, found Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is safe and efficacious in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a select, high-risk ICU population.2 Researchers noted not only did enteral probiotic supplementation correlate with fewer VAP infections, but patients treated with probiotics had significantly less Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea than patients treated with placebo, and had fewer days of antibiotics prescribed for VAP and for C. difficile–associated diarrhea.

A collaboration between Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy, and the University of Milan reported supplementation with either Bifidobacterium bifidis BB-12 and Lactobacillus casei 431 (both from Chr. Hansen) increased antibody response to influenza—such responses in a vaccination model have been identified by experts as being the best marker currently available to evaluate the human immune response.3 Researchers from Finland added controlled administration of BB-12® may reduce URIs in children.4 The double blind, placebo-controlled study in 109 newborns showed supplementation with 10 billion colony forming units (CFUs) resulted in fewer incidences of URIs compared to babies in the control group.

References for "Immune Health: Gut Check"
1. CHobotova K et al. “Bromelain's activity and potential as an anti-cancer agent: Current evidence and perspectives.” Cancer Lett. 2010 Apr 28;290(2):148-56.
2. Morrow LE at al. “Probiotic Prophylaxis of Ventilator-associated Pneumonia.” Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2010;182:1058.
3. “Probiotic strains BB-12® and L. casei 431® increase the immune response to an influenza vaccine: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” Presented on Oct. 28, 2010 at the 2nd World Congress on Immunity Ingredients, Malta.
4. Taipale T et al. “Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in reducing the risk of infections in infancy.” Br J Nutr. 2010 Sep 24:1-7. Published online ahead of print.

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