Effects of inulin-based prebiotics alone or in combination with probiotics on human gut microbiota and markers of immune system: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study in healthy elderly

In this study the effects of the DefensePlus symbiotic formulation on both the composition of gut microbiota and biomarkers of immune system on elderly subjects was evaluated. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study was carried out by the administration of a trial composed of 2 Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus) and one Bifidobacterium strain (Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis) and two type of FOS (FOS with a degree of polymerization between 3-5 and one with 10). The treatment was performed on elderly subjects in a period of 28 days followed by a wash-out period (T56). The study highlights the increase of taxa abundances in the gut microbial communities, the variability of fecal parameters as beta-defensin and calprotectin, and salivary IgA, salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and CID as markers of wellness condition of all the subjects during the time of treatment with respect to the group with the prebiotics alone and with respect to the placebo group.