Effect of protein, probiotic, and symbiotic supplementation on serum biological health markers of molted layers. Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Hormonal Profiles, Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. The effects of probiotic supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes Effects of Probiotics on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Factors in Petrochemical Workers: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial The effects of probiotic and selenium co-supplementation on parameters of mental health, hormonal profiles, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome Probiotic supplementation affects markers of intestinal barrier, oxidation, and inflammation in trained men; a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial World Allergy Organization-McMaster University Guidelines for Allergic Disease Prevention (GLAD-P): Probiotics Are probiotics safe for use during pregnancy and lactation? Probiotic yogurt improves antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients. Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Indices in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial The effects of vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation on glucose homeostasis, inflammation, oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Impact of Probiotic Soy Milk Consumption on Oxidative Stress Among Type 2 Diabetic Kidney Disease Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Fermented milk supplemented with probiotics and prebiotics can effectively alter the intestinal microbiota and immunity of host animals. The politics of probiotics: probiotics, necrotizing enterocolitis and the ethics of neonatal research Probiotic supplementation reduces the duration and incidence of infections but not severity in elite rugby union players. Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and vitamin D supplementation on the immunologic effectiveness of grass-specific sublingual immunotherapy in children with allergy. The Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Gene Expression Related to Inflammation, Insulin, and Lipids in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial A Systematic Review of Probiotic Interventions for Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) Micronutrient supplemented probiotic yogurt for HIV-infected adults taking HAART in London, Canada Probiotic administration among free-living older adults: a double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial Effects of a Multispecies Probiotic Supplement on Bone Health in Osteopenic Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Trial The acquisition of tolerance toward cow's milk through probiotic supplementation: a randomized, controlled trial. No Significant Effects of Lutein, Lycopene or β-Carotene Supplementation on Biological Markers of Oxidative Stress and LDL Oxidizability in Healthy Adult Subjects
Dietary zinc was used to induce molt in 200 White Leghorn birds in caged housing at the age of 70 wk . The birds were equally and r and omly allocated to 4 groups each of 50 birds as G1 ( control ; CP 16 % , no supplement ) , G2 ( CP 18 % , no other supplement ) , G3 ( CP 16 % , symbiotic Perfectin : 85 mg•L(-1 ) in drinking water daily ) , and G4 ( CP 16 % , probiotic Protexin : 85 mg•L(-1 ) in drinking water daily ) after the completion of molt . The sampling was conducted 3 times at 5 % production , peak production , and end of production with 15 birds being killed at each sampling from each group to collect the blood for harvesting of serum . Serum health markers including total oxidant status , total antioxidant capacity , homocysteine concentration , and paraoxonase , arylesterase , and ceruloplasmin activity were determined by the prescribed assays . The overall total antioxidant capacity was increased , whereas total oxidant status and homocysteine concentrations were reduced significantly ( P ≤ 0.01 ) in all the supplemented groups compared with the control . The paraoxonase and ceruloplasmin activity were enhanced ( P ≤ 0.01 ) in the supplemented groups compared with the control , and arylesterase activity was increased ( P ≤ 0.01 ) in only G2 compared with the other groups . Although protein supplementation significantly reduced the oxidative stress , supplementation with symbiotic and probiotic also improved the health status by decreasing the oxidative stress in the birds BACKGROUND To the best of our knowledge , data on effects of probiotic administration on hormonal profiles , biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ) are scarce . This investigation was conducted to assess the effects of probiotic supplementation on hormonal profiles , biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women with PCOS . METHODS This r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with PCOS , aged 18 - 40 years old . Subjects were r and omly assigned into 2 groups to receive either probiotics or placebo ( n = 30 each group ) for 12 weeks . Metabolic profiles were quantified at baseline and after a 12-week intervention . RESULTS After the 12-week intervention , compared with placebo , probiotic supplementation significantly increased serum sex hormone-binding globulin ( SHBG ) ( + 25.9 ± 32.5 vs. + 0.5 ± 15.6 nmol/L , P < 0.001 ) and plasma total antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) ( + 8.8 ± 120.5 vs. -98.3 ± 246.4 mmol/L , P = 0.04 ) , and significantly decreased serum total testosterone ( -0.2 ± 0.7 vs. + 0.2 ± 0.6 ng/mL , P = 0.03 ) , modified Ferriman-Gallwey ( mF-G ) scores ( -1.7 ± 1.5 vs. -0.2 ± 1.0 , P < 0.001 ) , serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( hs-CRP ) ( -1150.0 ± 1295.2 vs. + 202.5 ± 1426.3 ng/mL , P < 0.001 ) and plasma malondialdehyde ( MDA ) concentrations ( -0.2 ± 0.6 vs. + 0.9 ± 1.3 µmol/L , P < 0.001 ) . We did not observe any detrimental effect of probiotic supplementation on other metabolic profiles . CONCLUSION Overall , probiotic supplementation of PCOS women for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on total testosterone , SHBG , mFG scores , hs-CRP , TAC and MDA levels but did not affect other metabolic profiles Abstract Objective : This study was design ed to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation , oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes  among subjects with gestational diabetes ( GDM ) . Methods : This r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled clinical trial was done among 60 subjects with GDM who were not on oral hypoglycemic agents . Patients were r and omly allocated to intake either probiotic capsule containing Lactobacillus acidophilus , Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium bifidum ( 2 × 109 CFU/g each ) ( n = 30 ) or placebo ( n = 30 ) for six weeks . Results : Compared with the placebo , probiotic supplementation result ed in significant decreases in fasting plasma glucose ( FPG ) ( −5.3 ± 6.7 vs. + 0.03 ± 9.0 mg/dL , p = .01 ) , serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( hs-CRP ) ( −2.2 ± 2.7 vs. + 0.5 ± 2.4 μg/mL , p < .001 ) , plasma malondialdehyde ( MDA ) concentrations ( −0.1 ± 0.8 vs. + 0.5 ± 1.5 μmol/L , p = .03 ) and MDA/TAC ratio ( −0.0003 ± 0.0008 vs. + 0.0009 ± 0.002 , p = .004 ) , and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) levels ( + 65.4 ± 103.3 vs. −37.2 ± 143.7 mmol/L , p = .002 ) . Probiotic supplementation did not affect pregnancy outcomes . Conclusions : Overall , probiotic supplementation among women with GDM for six weeks had beneficial effects on FPG , serum hs-CRP , plasma TAC , MDA and oxidative stress index , but did not affect pregnancy outcomes Background : The aim of the current study was to determine effects of probiotic yoghurt and multispecies probiotic capsule supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in petrochemical workers . Methods : This r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial was done among petrochemical workers . Subjects were r and omly divided into three groups to receive 100 g/day probiotic yogurt ( n = 12 ) or one probiotic capsule daily ( n = 13 ) or 100 g/day conventional yogurt ( n = 10 ) for 6 weeks . The probiotic yoghurt was containing two strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis with a total of min 1 × 107 CFU . Multispecies probiotic capsule contains seven probiotic bacteria spices Actobacillus casei 3 × 103 , L. acidophilus 3 × 107 , Lactobacillus rhamnosus 7 × 109 , Lactobacillus bulgaricus 5 × 108 , Bifidobacterium breve 2 × 1010 , Bifidobacterium longum 1 × 109 and Streptococcus thermophilus 3 × 108 CFU/g . Fasting blood sample s were obtained at the beginning and end of the trial to quantify biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors . Results : Although a significant within-group decrease in plasma protein carbonyl levels was seen in the probiotic capsule group ( 326.0 ± 308.9 vs. 251.0 ± 176.3 ng/mL , P = 0.02 ) , the changes were similar among the three groups . In addition , significant within-group decreases in plasma iso prostagl and in were observed in the probiotic supplements group ( 111.9 ± 85.4 vs. 88.0 ± 71.0 pg/mL , P = 0.003 ) and in the probiotic yogurt group ( 116.3 ± 93.0 vs. 92.0 ± 66.0 pg/mL , P = 0.02 ) , nevertheless there were no significant change among the three groups . Conclusions : Taken together , consumption of probiotic yogurt or multispecies probiotic capsule had beneficial effects on biomarkers of oxidative stress in petrochemical workers Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the co-administration of probiotic and selenium on parameters of mental health , hormonal profiles , and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women with PCOS . Data on the effects of selenium and probiotic co-supplementation on mental health , hormonal and inflammatory parameters of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ) are scarce . This investigation was carried out to evaluate the effects of selenium and probiotic co-supplementation on mental health , hormonal and inflammatory parameters in women with PCOS . Methods This r and omized , double-blinded , placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 subjects , aged 18–40 years old . Participants were r and omly allocated into two groups to intake 8 × 109 CFU/day probiotic plus 200 μg/day selenium supplements ( n = 30 ) or placebo ( n = 30 ) for 12 weeks . Hormonal and inflammatory parameters were measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention . Results Probiotic and selenium co-supplementation result ed in a significant improvement in beck depression inventory ( β − 0.76 ; 95 % CI , − 1.26 , − 0.26 ; P = 0.003 ) , general health question naire scores ( β − 1.15 ; 95 % CI , − 1.97 , − 0.32 ; P = 0.007 ) and depression anxiety and stress scale scores ( β − 1.49 ; 95 % CI , − 2.59 , − 0.39 ; P = 0.009 ) compared with the placebo . Furthermore , probiotic and selenium co-supplementation  significantly reduced total testosterone ( β − 0.26 ng/mL ; 95 % CI , − 0.51 , − 0.02 ; P = 0.03 ) , hirsutism ( β − 0.43 ; 95 % CI , − 0.74 , − 0.11 ; P = 0.008 ) , high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( hs-CRP ) ( β − 0.58 mg/L ; 95 % CI , − 0.97 , − 0.19 ; P = 0.004 ) and malondialdehyde ( MDA ) levels ( β − 0.29 μmol/L ; 95 % CI , − 0.56 , − 0.02 ; P = 0.03 ) , and significantly increased total antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) ( β + 84.76 mmol/L ; 95 % CI , + 48.08 , + 121.44 ; P < 0.001 ) and total glutathione ( GSH ) levels ( β + 26.78 μmol/L ; 95 % CI , + 4.33 , + 49.23 ; P = 0.02 ) compared with the placebo . Conclusions Overall , the co-administration of probiotic and selenium for 12 weeks to women with PCOS had beneficial effects on mental health parameters , serum total testosterone , hirsutism , hs-CRP , TAC , GSH and MDA levels . This study was prospect ively registered in the Iranian website ( www.i rct .ir ) for registration of clinical trials ( http://www.i rct .ir : I RCT 20170513033941N22).Trial registration I RCT 20170513033941N22 Background Probiotics are an upcoming group of nutraceuticals cl aim ing positive effects on athlete ’s gut health , redox biology and immunity but there is lack of evidence to support these statements . Methods We conducted a r and omized , double-blinded , placebo controlled trial to observe effects of probiotic supplementation on markers of intestinal barrier , oxidation and inflammation , at rest and after intense exercise . 23 trained men received multi-species probiotics ( 1010 CFU/day , Ecologic ® Performance or OMNi-BiOTiC ® POWER , n = 11 ) or placebo ( n = 12 ) for 14 weeks and performed an intense cycle ergometry over 90 minutes at baseline and after 14 weeks . Zonulin and α1-antitrypsin were measured from feces to estimate gut leakage at baseline and at the end of treatment . Venous blood was collected at baseline and after 14 weeks , before and immediately post exercise , to determine carbonyl proteins ( CP ) , malondialdehyde ( MDA ) , total oxidation status of lipids ( TOS ) , tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF-α ) , and interleukin-6 ( IL-6 ) . Statistical analysis used multifactorial analysis of variance ( ANOVA ) . Level of significance was set at p < 0.05 , a trend at p < 0.1 . Results Zonulin decreased with supplementation from values slightly above normal into normal ranges ( < 30 ng/ml ) and was significantly lower after 14 weeks with probiotics compared to placebo ( p = 0.019 ) . We observed no influence on α1-antitrypsin ( p > 0.1 ) . CP increased significantly from pre to post exercise in both groups at baseline and in the placebo group after 14 weeks of treatment ( p = 0.006 ) . After 14 weeks , CP concentrations were tendentially lower with probiotics ( p = 0.061 ) . TOS was slightly increased above normal in both groups , at baseline and after 14 weeks of treatment . There was no effect of supplementation or exercise on TOS . At baseline , both groups showed considerably higher TNF-α concentrations than normal . After 14 weeks TNF-α was tendentially lower in the supplemented group ( p = 0.054 ) . IL-6 increased significantly from pre to post exercise in both groups ( p = 0.001 ) , but supplementation had no effect . MDA was not influenced , neither by supplementation nor by exercise . Conclusions The probiotic treatment decreased Zonulin in feces , a marker indicating enhanced gut permeability . Moreover , probiotic supplementation beneficially affected TNF-α and exercise induced protein oxidation . These results demonstrate promising benefits for probiotic use in trained men . Clinical trial registryhttp://www . clinical trials.gov , identifier : Background Prevalence of  allergic diseases in infants , whose parents and siblings do not have allergy , is approximately 10 % and reaches 20–30 % in those with an allergic first-degree relative . Intestinal microbiota may modulate immunologic and inflammatory systemic responses and , thus , influence development of sensitization and allergy . Probiotics have been reported to modulate immune responses and their supplementation has been proposed as a preventive intervention . Objective The World Allergy Organization ( WAO ) convened a guideline panel to develop evidence -based recommendations about the use of probiotics in the prevention of allergy . Methods We identified the most relevant clinical questions and performed a systematic review of r and omized controlled trials of probiotics for the prevention of allergy . We followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment , Development and Evaluation ( GRADE ) approach to develop recommendations . We search ed for and review ed the evidence about health effects , patient values and preferences , and re source use ( up to November 2014 ) . We followed the GRADE evidence -to-decision framework to develop recommendations . Results Currently available evidence does not indicate that probiotic supplementation  reduces the risk of developing allergy in children . However , considering all critical outcomes in this context , the WAO guideline panel determined that there is a likely net benefit from using probiotics result ing primarily from prevention of eczema . The WAO guideline panel suggests : a ) using probiotics in pregnant women at high risk for having an allergic child ; b ) using probiotics in women who breastfeed infants at high risk of developing allergy ; and c ) using probiotics in infants at high risk of developing allergy . All recommendations are conditional and supported by very low quality evidence . Conclusions WAO recommendations about probiotic supplementation for prevention of allergy are intended to support parents , clinicians and other health care professionals in their decisions whether to use probiotics in pregnancy and during breastfeeding , and whether to give them to infants QUESTION There has been a great deal of discussion in both the medical and lay literature about the use of probiotics to improve general health . Subsequently , pregnant women have been asking me if probiotics used for treating conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and diarrhea are safe to use during pregnancy and lactation . ANSWER Current data suggest that probiotic supplementation is rarely systemically absorbed when used by healthy individuals . One meta- analysis and several r and omized controlled trials conducted with women during the third trimester of pregnancy did not report an increase in adverse fetal outcomes . There have been no published studies addressing Saccharomyces species use in pregnancy . Probiotics are unlikely to be transferred into breast milk OBJECTIVE Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes . Among various functional foods with an antioxidant effect , probiotic foods have been reported to repress oxidative stress . The objective of this clinical trial was to assess the effects of probiotic and conventional yogurt on blood glucose and antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients . METHODS Sixty-four patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus , 30 to 60 y old , were assigned to two groups in this r and omized , double-blind , controlled clinical trial . The patients in the intervention group consumed 300 g/d of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 and those in the control group consumed 300 g/d of conventional yogurt for 6 wk .  Fasting blood sample s , 24-h dietary recalls , and anthropometric measurements were collected at the baseline and at the end of the trial . RESULTS Probiotic yogurt significantly decreased fasting blood glucose ( P < 0.01 ) and hemoglobin A1c ( P < 0.05 ) and increased erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and total antioxidant status ( P < 0.05 ) compared with the control group . In addition , the serum malondialdehyde concentration significantly decreased compared with the baseline value in both groups ( P < 0.05 ) . No significant changes from baseline were shown in insulin concentration and erythrocyte catalase activity within either group ( P > 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION The consumption of probiotic yogurt improved fasting blood glucose and antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients . These results suggest that probiotic yogurt is a promising agent for diabetes management Objective : Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that causes great pain and disability and increasing oxidative stress in patients . The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of probiotics — live microorganisms with many health benefits , including antioxidant properties — on oxidative stress indices of patients with RA . This study is a secondary analysis from a previously published study Methods : In a r and omized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial , 46 patients with RA were assigned to one of two groups ; patients in the probiotic group received a daily capsule containing 108 colony forming units ( CFUs ) of Lactobacillus casei 01 ( L. casei 01 ) , while those in the placebo group took identical capsules containing maltodextrin , for 8 weeks . In the baseline and at the end of the study , anxiety , physical activity levels , and dietary intakes were assessed . Anthropometric parameters , serum malondialdehyde ( MDA ) , total antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) , erythrocyte superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) , glutathione peroxidase ( GPx ) , and catalase ( CAT ) activities were measured . Results : There was no significant difference between the two groups for demographic characteristics , anthropometric parameters , physical activity , anxiety levels , or dietary intakes , throughout the course of the study . No significant within- and between-group differences were observed for MDA , TAC , or CAT . SOD activity decreased only in the probiotic group and GPx activity decreased in both study groups ( p < 0.05 ) ; however , no significant between-group difference was found for these enzymes activities at the end of the study ( p > 0.05 ) . Conclusion : No significant effect of L. casei 01 supplementation was observed on the oxidative status of patients with RA , compared to placebo BACKGROUND AND AIMS This study was design ed to assess the effects of combined vitamin D and probiotic supplementation on metabolic status and pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes ( GDM ) . METHODS This r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in 87 women with GDM . Patients were r and omly assigned three groups to receive either vitamin D ( 50,000 IU/every 2 weeks ) plus probiotic ( 8 × 109 CFU/day ) ( n = 30 ) , probiotic ( 8 × 109 CFU/day ) ( n = 29 ) or placebo ( n = 28 ) for 6 weeks . RESULTS Vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose ( β -10.99 mg/dL ; 95 % CI , -14.26 , -7.73 ; P < 0.001 ) , serum insulin levels ( β -1.95 μIU/mL ; 95 % CI , -3.05 , -0.84 ; P = 0.001 ) and homeostasis model of assessment -insulin resistance ( β -0.76 ; 95 % CI , -1.06 , -0.45 ; P < 0.001 ) , and significantly increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index ( β 0.01 ; 95 % CI , 0.008 , 0.03 ; P = 0.001 ) compared with the placebo . In addition , vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation result ed in a significant reduction in triglycerides ( β -37.56 mg/dL ; 95 % CI , -51.55 , -23.56 ; P < 0.001 ) , VLDL- ( β -7.51 mg/dL ; 95 % CI , -10.31 , -4.71 ; P < 0.001 ) , HDL-/total cholesterol ratio ( β -0.52 ; 95 % CI , -0.79 , -0.24 ; P < 0.001 ) , high sensitivity C-reactive protein ( β -1.80 mg/L ; 95 % CI , -2.53 , -1.08 ; P < 0.001 ) and malondialdehyde ( β -0.43 μmol/L ; 95 % CI , -0.77 , -0.09 ; P = 0.01 ) ; also , a significant rise in HDL-cholesterol ( β 4.09 mg/dL ; 95 % CI , 1.11 , 7.08 ; P = 0.008 ) and total antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) levels ( β 97.77 mmol/L ; 95 % CI , 52.34 , 143.19 ; P < 0.001 ) were observed compared with the placebo . Vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation did not change other metabolic parameters  . Vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation  significantly decreased triglycerides ( P = 0.02 ) , VLDL-cholesterol ( P = 0.02 ) and hs-CRP ( P = 0.01 ) , and significantly increased TAC ( P = 0.006 ) and total glutathione levels ( P = 0.04 ) compared with only probiotic group . CONCLUSIONS In conclusion , vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation  in women with GDM had beneficial effects on metabolic status . This trial was registered at www.i rct .ir as I RCT 201706075623N119 OBJECTIVE Diabetic kidney disease ( DKD ) is one the most important complications of diabetes leading to end-stage renal disease . This study aim ed to determine the effects of probiotic soy milk consumption on oxidative stress biomarkers in type 2 DKD patients . METHODS Forty-eight patients were r and omly assigned to consume a diet containing 200 mL/day probiotic soy milk in the intervention group or soy milk in the control condition . As determinants of oxidative stress , malondialdehyde , 8-iso-prostagl and in F2α , oxidized glutathione , total antioxidant capacity , reduced glutathione ( GSH ) , glutathione peroxidase , and glutathione reductase were measured after 8 weeks of intervention according to the st and ard protocol . RESULTS Between groups analysis showed that DKD patients in the probiotic soy milk group had a higher mean value of GSH compared with those in the soy milk group . In the final adjusted model , this difference remained significant . Consistently , oxidized glutathione concentration was significantly reduced among patients in the probiotic soy milk group . Also , for activity levels of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase , significant increased levels were observed between 2 intervention groups in the final adjusted model . However , no significant reduction of the serum 8-iso-prostagl and in F2α or malondialdehyde and no induction of TAC concentrations within and between the 2 groups in the crude and adjusted models were detected . CONCLUSION Overall , the results demonstrate that probiotic soy milk consumption could improve some oxidative stress factors among DKD patients . Further longitudinal studies with consideration of individual variation should be conducted Fermented milk supplemented with 2 probiotic strains , Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM , and a prebiotic , isomaltooligosaccharide , was orally administered to 100 healthy adults at 480 g/d for 2 wk in a r and omized controlled trial . The fecal bacterial compositions of these subjects were examined by culture before and after the intervention . The same fermented milk was also orally fed to BALB/c mice , and immune as well as fecal bacteria analyses were conducted using the same culturing methods . After the intervention , increases in fecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli were observed among the subjects compared with the subjects in the control group . In contrast , after the intervention , fecal enterobacilli were significantly decreased in the test group compared with the control group . The same effects on the composition of the intestinal microbiota were observed in mice . Furthermore , the tested mice were found to have significantly increased delayed-type hypersensitivity , plaque-forming cells , and half-hemolysis values after the intervention with the fermented milk . In summary , the synbiotic fermented milk containing probiotics and a prebiotic may contribute to improve intestinal health and may have a positive effect on the humoral and cell-mediated immunity of host animals There have been over twenty prospect i ve , r and omized trials of the use of probiotics to prevent  necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) in premature babies . A Cochrane meta- analysis of 16 of the studies ( 1 ) including 2842 preterm infants , reported that ‘ enteral probiotics supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of severe NEC ( stage II or more ) ( typical RR , 0.35 ; 95 % CI , 0.24–0.52 ) and mortality ( typical RR , 0.40 ; 95 % CI , 0.27–0.60 ) with no evidence of harm . They concluded , ‘ Enteral supplementation of probiotics prevents severe NEC and all-cause mortality in preterm infants ’ . In a sensitivity analysis , including only the 4 highest quality studies , the results and conclusions were unchanged . For neonates born at < 32 weeks of gestation , the number needed to treat in order to prevent one NEC or one death is twenty . The risks of probiotics are minimal . A more recently published systematic review included several additional r and omized controlled trials , mostly published in the Chinese literature , and analysed a total of 20 publications and over 3800 preterm infants ; it came to similar conclusions as the Cochrane meta- analysis ( 2 ) . Probiotics are used in many European units but only rarely in North-America . In spite of the evidence , this safe and effective treatment for one of the most serious complications of prematurity has never been studied in the United States and perhaps never will . Probiotics will probably never be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) . Instead , they will remain in regulatory purgatory , neither approved nor unapproved , an evidence -based treatment that can not become the st and ard of care , a safe and effective treatment that is not on hospital formularies in the United States . Probiotics fall into a peculiar lacuna of the regulatory system . Most innovative treatments are either drugs or devices , and the regulatory pathways for evaluating and approving them are fairly well defined by federal law . The FDA has jurisdiction over both drugs and devices . Probiotics are neither drugs nor devices , and they are made by companies that generally market health products to the general public . In contrast , in Canada , probiotics are under the jurisdiction of the Natural Health Products Directorate ( NHPD ) which has rigorous requirements for quality control and detailed labelling . But the NHPD does not evaluate overtly medical cl aims made about a product . It has little experience dealing with either a product that could actually decrease major complications or save lives in a particularly fragile population where mortality is rather common . Probiotics are quite inexpensive to manufacture . People can even make them at home . They are in most yogurts . For pennies , some parents buy them for their preterm infants in health food stores . Some mothers have started adding probiotics to their breast milk . In these cases , the medical team can either be unaware a preterm infant is in fact receiving probiotics or tacitly not interfere with these parental initiatives . Given the low cost of probiotics and Articles in the series A Different View are edited by William Meadow ( wlm1@uchicago.edu ) . We encourage you to offer your own different view either in response to A Different View you do not fully agree with , or on an unrelated topic . Send your article to Dr. Meadow ( wlm1@uchicago.edu ) OBJECTIVES The attenuation of the number and severity of infections is of importance to athletes .  Probiotics use has increased over recent years with beneficial effects believed to include improvements in immune function . Research has focused on their effectiveness for reducing the number , duration and severity of infections amongst endurance athletes . At present no research has been undertaken with team sport athletes . This r and omised controlled trial aim ed to determine the effectiveness of probiotics on the number , duration and severity of infections amongst elite union rugby players . DESIGN R and omised control trial with two arms ; placebo and probiotic . METHODS Thirty elite rugby union players were allocated in r and om order to receive a probiotics supplement or a placebo for four weeks each . Supplements were consumed on a daily basis . There was a four week washout period between treatments . Participants completed a daily diary to identify and rate the severity of any infectious symptoms . RESULTS During the probiotic treatment 14/30 participants never experienced a single upper respiratory tract illness ( URTI ) or gastrointestinal ( GI ) episode , compared to 6/30 on the placebo supplementation ( p=0.033 ) . The mean±st and ard deviation for the number of days of illness tended to be higher for the placebo , ( 5.8±6.6 days ) than probiotic ( 3.4±4.6 days ) , ( p=0.054 ) . There was no significant difference in the severity of the symptoms between the two treatment groups ( p=0.110 ) . CONCLUSIONS These positive effects of probiotic supplements provide evidence for the beneficial effects of daily supplementation with these probiotic strains in highly trained rugby union players BACKGROUND An important issue in sublingual immunotherapy ( SLIT ) is how to improve efficacy . OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical and immunologic efficacy of SLIT given alone and , to enhance clinical efficacy , given with probiotic or vitamin D supplementation . METHODS One hundred children , ages 5 - 12 years , sensitive to grass pollen , with allergic rhinitis participated in a 5-month prospect i ve , r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial . Children received 5-grass SLIT 300 IR tablets with either vitamin D 1000 IU daily supplementation , probiotic , or placebo .  The control group included children with allergy who did not qualify for immunotherapy . Primary end points included a symptom-medication score , lung function , and exhaled nitric oxide concentration . The secondary end point was the immunologic efficacy measured by the following : CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+ ) ( forkhead box P3 ) cells , Toll-like receptor ( TLR ) 4 , interleukin ( IL ) 1 , IL-6 , tumor necrosis factor , IL-10 , and transforming growth factor β-1 levels in cell culture supernatants . RESULTS Reduction in the symptom-medication score and improvement in lung function as well as a significant increase in the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+ ) in children who received SLIT in all the groups were observed compared with control group . In the SLIT-probiotic group , between-group analysis showed significantly higher CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+ ) induction compared with the SLIT group and higher reduction in the percentage of TLR-positive cell group compared with the SLIT-vitamin D group ( Fig. 1 ) . An increase in CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+ ) induction , reduction in TLR-positive cells recruitment and an increase in transforming growth factor β-1 production were independently associated with a better clinical effect of SLIT in children . CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the clinical and immunologic effect of probiotic and vitamin D supplementation on SLIT . Probiotic supplementation showed better clinical and immunologic response in children with allergic rhinitis ABSTRACT Background : Limited data are available assessing the effects of probiotic supplementation on gene expression related to inflammation , insulin , and lipids in patients with multiple sclerosis ( MS ) . Objectives : The current study was conducted to assess the effects of probiotic supplementation on gene expression related to inflammation , insulin , and lipids in patients with MS . Methods : This r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed among 40 patients with MS . Participants were r and omly assigned into two groups to receive either a probiotic capsule containing Lactobacillus acidophilus , Lactobacillus casei , Bifidobacterium bifidum , and Lactobacillus fermentum ( 2 × 109 colony-forming units/g each ; n = 20 ) or placebo ( n = 20 ) for 12 weeks . Gene expression related to inflammation , insulin , and lipids was quantified in blood sample s of patients with MS with the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR ) method . Results : We found that compared with placebo , probiotic supplementation down-regulated gene expression of interleukin-8 ( IL-8 ; p < 0.001 ) and tumor necrosis factor – alpha ( TNF-α ) mRNA ( p < .001 ) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with MS . We did not observe any significant effect of probiotic supplementation on gene expression of interleukin-1 ( IL-1 ) , peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ( PPAR-γ ) , or oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor ( LDLR ) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with MS . Conclusions : Overall , probiotic supplementation for 12 weeks in patients with MS significantly improved gene expression of IL-8 and TNF-α but did not influence IL-1 , PPAR-γ , or LDLR Gastrointestinal ( GI ) symptoms and irritable bowel ( IB ) symptoms have been associated with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis ( CFS/ME ) . The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of these symptoms in CFS/ME , along with any evidence for probiotics as treatment . Pubmed , Scopus , Medline ( EBSCOHost ) and EMBASE data bases were search ed to source relevant studies for CFS/ME . The review included any studies examining GI symptoms , irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS ) and /or probiotic use . Studies were required to report criteria for CFS/ME and study design , intervention and outcome measures . Quality assessment was also completed to summarise the level of evidence available . A total of 3381 publications were returned using our search terms . Twenty-five studies were included in the review . R and omised control trials were the predominant study type ( n = 24 ) . Most of the studies identified examined the effect of  probiotic supplementation on the improvement of IB symptoms in IBS patients , or IB symptoms in CFS/ME patients , as well as some other significant secondary outcomes ( e.g. quality of life , other gastrointestinal symptoms , psychological symptoms ) . The level of evidence identified for the use of  probiotics  in IBS was excellent in quality ; however , the evidence available for the use of probiotic interventions in CFS/ME was poor and limited . There is currently insufficient evidence for the use of probiotics in CFS/ME patients , despite probiotic interventions being useful in IBS . The studies pertaining to probiotic interventions in CFS/ME patients were limited and of poor quality overall . St and ardisation of protocol s and methodology in these studies is required The Human Immunodeficiency Virus has devastating effects worldwide . The burden is less pronounced , but still present in Canada where approximately 64,000 men and women are HIV positive . The virus and the life-saving antiretroviral therapies often contribute to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disturbances . Certain probiotic organisms , such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 , have been shown to alleviate diarrhea as well as delay the decline of CD4 lymphocytes in some subjects . In addition , micronutrient formulae have been used extensively among HIV positive persons as a cost-effective method for improving quality of life and immune function . The objective of the present study was to combine probiotics and micronutrients into an affordable and highly palatable nutritional supplement and assess outcomes in 21 HIV-positive participants receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy in London , Ontario , Canada . The design was a r and omized , double blind , three-period , cross-over controlled trial with three different formulations of supplemented yogurt ; micronutrient and probiotic ( A ) , micronutrient alone ( B ) and probiotic alone ( C ) . The period of intake for each of the types was 30 days with a 14 day wash-out period between the intervention types . The mean increase in CD4 was greatest with B ( 41 cells/µL , SD 221 ) . Supplement A showed a mean change of + 19 cells/µL ( SD 142 ) and supplement C a mean change of – 7 cells/µL ( SD 154 ) . All yogurt types caused an increase in subjective energy and ability to perform daily activity scores . According to the safety measures taken to assess the tolerance of the yogurt , there were no adverse events and the yogurt was well-tolerated . These preliminary findings suggest that micronutrient supplemented probiotic yogurt may support immune function among people living with HIV Background Diseases of the digestive system have been found to contribute to a higher symptom burden in older adults . Thus , therapeutic strategies able to treat gastrointestinal discomfort might impact the overall health status and help older adults to increase their overall health status and optimal functionality . Objective The aim of this double-blinded , r and omized , placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri on digestive health and wellbeing in older adults . Methods The study enrolled general older adults ( > 65 years ) . After eligibility screening qualified subjects ( n = 290 ) participated in a 2-arm study design , with each arm consisting of 12 weeks of intervention of either active or placebo product . Primary outcome measure was set to changes in gastrointestinal symptoms and secondary outcome measures were changes in level of wellbeing , anxiety and stress . Follow up was performed at 8 and 12 weeks . Results No persistent significant effects were observed on the primary or secondary outcome parameters of the study . A modest effect was observed in the probiotic arm , were levels of stress decreased at week 8 and 12 . Similarly , we found that subjects suffering from indigestion and abdominal pain , respectively , showed a significant decrease of anxiety at week 8 after probiotic treatment , but not at week 12 . Conclusion The RCT failed to show any improvement in digestive health after daily intake of a probiotic supplement containing L. reuteri . Neither was any significant improvement in wellbeing , stress or anxiety observed . Even though the RCT had a negative outcome , the study highlights issues important to take into consideration when design ing trials among older adults . Trial registration Clinical trials.gov/NCT01837940 ABSTRACT Objective : The development of alternative approaches to prevent and /or treat osteoporosis , as a chronic progressive bone disease , is being considered currently . Among dietary supplements , probiotics may have favorable effects on bone metabolism . Therefore , the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a multispecies probiotic supplementation on bone biomarkers and bone density in osteopenic postmenopausal women . Methods : This r and omized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 50 patients with osteopenia aged 50–72 years . Participants were r and omly assigned to take either a multispecies probiotic supplement ( GeriLact ; n = 25 ) or placebo ( n = 25 ) for 6 months . GeriLact contains 7 probiotic bacteria species . Participants received 500 mg Ca plus 200 IU vitamin D  daily . Bone mineral density ( BMD ) of lumbar spine and total hip and blood biomarkers including bone-specific alkaline phosphatase ( BALP ) , osteocalcin ( OC ) , collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide ( CTX ) , deoxypyridinoline ( DPD ) , parathyroid hormone ( PTH ) , 25-OH vitamin D , and serum pro-inflammatory cytokines ( tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α and interleukin [IL]-1β ) were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study . Results : The multispecies probiotic significantly decreased BALP ( p = 0.03 ) and CTX ( p = 0.04 ) levels in comparison with the control group but had no effect on BMD of the spine and total hip . Moreover , there was a statistically significant decrease in serum PTH ( p = 0.01 ) and TNF-α ( p = 0.02 ) in the intervention group compared to the placebo group . Conclusions : These results may suggest the favorable effects of the multispecies probiotic supplementation for 6 months on bone health in postmenopausal women due to slowing down the rate of bone turnover BACKGROUND Cow 's milk allergy ( CMA ) is the most frequently diagnosed food allergy in infancy . In general , patients have a good prognosis because the majority acquire tolerance within the first years . Interventions have been proposed to accelerate tolerance and reduce morbidity . Probiotic supplementation could be effective through modulation of the immune system . OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether supplementation with a combination of probiotics ( Lactobacillus casei CRL431 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 ) accelerates tolerance to cow 's milk ( CM ) in infants with CMA . METHODS We performed a double-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled trial in 119 infants with CMA . Infants received CRL431 and Bb-12 supplemented to their st and ard treatment of extensively hydrolyzed formula for 12 months . Primary outcome was clinical tolerance to CM at 6 and 12 months of treatment . Furthermore , we analyzed T- and B-lymphocyte subsets ( CD3(+ ) , CD3(+)CD4(+ ) , CD3(+)CD8(+ ) , and CD20(+ ) ) in peripheral blood at r and omization and at 12 months with flow cytometry and examined the presence of viable probiotic strains in fecal sample s. RESULTS The cumulative percentage of tolerance to CM at 6 and 12 months was similar in both groups : 56 ( 77 % ) in the probiotics group versus 54 ( 81 % ) in the placebo group . Infants in the placebo group had higher percentages of CD3(+ ) and CD3(+)CD4(+ ) lymphocytes compared with those seen in probiotic-treated infants . Probiotic intake was confirmed because probiotics were isolated from feces more often in treated infants than in the placebo group . CONCLUSION Supplementation of CRL431 and Bb-12 to extensively hydrolyzed formula does not accelerate CM tolerance in infants with CMA Objective : The objective of this study was to determine the effect of individual carotenoid supplementation on biochemical indices of oxidative status in apparently healthy adult males . Methods : The study was a placebo controlled single blind study . Healthy male volunteers ( n=175 ) were assigned to four groups . They received daily supplements of β-carotene ( 15 mg ) , lutein ( 15 mg ) , lycopene ( 15 mg ) and placebo for three months . The effects of the supplementation on antioxidant status were monitored by plasma carotenoid , vitamin C and A levels , glutathione ( GSH and GSSG ) concentrations , protein SH groups , erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities ( Cu-Zn SOD , Se-GSH-Px ) and susceptibility of LDL to copper-induced oxidation . Results : β-carotene , lycopene and lutein supplementation led to significant plasma and LDL increases in each of these carotenoids , without modifications of other carotenoid levels in plasma or in LDL . The supplementation failed to enhance the resistance of LDL to oxidation or to modify the LDL polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio . Vitamin C , GSH , protein SH groups and antioxidant metalloenzyme activities were also unchanged . Conclusion : We did not observe beneficial or adverse effects of lutein , lycopene or β-carotene supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress . In apparently healthy subjects , carotenoid supplementation does not lead to significantly measurable improvement in antioxidant defenses
The current meta- analysis revealed that probiotic supplementation may result in increasing TAC and lowering MDA , which improve antioxidant status .
Previous studies have supposed that probiotic supplementation led to a positive effect on different health outcomes .
Furthermore , several studies indicated that probiotics supplementation improved antioxidant status , while some studies did not indicate these effects .
Hence , current systematic review and meta- analysis study was conducted to determine the effect of probiotic supplementation on some oxidative stress biomarkers  among adult subjects .