A Study Investigating the Effect of Floradapt Mature Immune Defense on Nutrient Uptake and Digestive Health in a Healthy Elderly Population

This trial will be investigating the effect for Floradapt Mature Immune Defense on nutrient uptake and digestive health in a healthy elderly population. Approximately 120 healthy older adults will be enrolled into the study and will consume either the probiotic or placebo supplement for 84 days and complete questionnaires as well as provide blood samples for nutrient uptake analysis (for 50 participants), immunological markers, and general markers of health. Saliva samples will be provided for analysis of sIgA and cortisol.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Males or females age 50 to 85 years, inclusive
2. BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m2, inclusive
3. Participants must meet the following criteria regarding their bowel habits. This will be assessed at screening and confirmed at baseline:

   I. ≤ 5 complete BMs per week AND at least 25% of BMs are BSS type 1 or 2 collectively with excessive straining for most of the BMs (≥50%), defined as 3 minutes or more during BM, as assessed by the QI OR, II. At least 50% of bowel movements are Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) type 1 and 2 at screening and confirmed at baseline as assessed by the QI OR, III. ≤ 3 complete spontaneous BMs per week as assessed by the QI
4. Female participant is not of child bearing potential, which is defined as females who have had a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy, complete endometrial ablation, bilateral tubal ligation or are post-menopausal (natural or surgically with \> 1 year since last menstruation) OR,

   Females of child-bearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test at screening and baseline and must agree to use a medically approved method of birth control and have a negative urine pregnancy test result. A minimum of 3-months stable dose is required for females on a hormonal birth control. Acceptable methods of birth control include:

   I. Hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptives, hormone birth control patch (Ortho Evra), vaginal contraceptive ring (NuvaRing), injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera, Lunelle), or hormone implant (Norplant System) II. Double-barrier method III. Intrauterine devices IV. Non-heterosexual lifestyle or agrees to use contraception if planning on changing to heterosexual partner(s) V. Vasectomy of partner (shown successful as per appropriate follow-up)
5. Albumin levels at screening between 25-50 g/L, inclusive. If albumin level \<35 g/L all other liver function tests must be within the normal range.
6. Healthy as determined by laboratory results, medical history, and physical exam by QI
7. Agrees to comply with all study procedures
8. Agrees to maintain current level of physical activity and diet throughout the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Women who are pregnant, breast feeding, or planning to become pregnant during the trial
2. Allergy or sensitivity to investigational product's active or inactive ingredients or milk
3. Chronic constipation
4. On prescribed laxatives
5. Current or history of clinically significant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (examples include but are not limited to atrophic gastritis, celiac disease, gluten intolerance/sensitivity, inflammatory bowel disease)
6. Current or history of pancreatitis or short bowel syndrome
7. Current or history of malabsorption assessed by the QI
8. Major surgery in the past 3 months or individuals who have planned surgery during the course of the trial. Minor surgery will be considered on a case by case basis by QI
9. Cancer, except skin cancers completely excised with no chemotherapy or radiation with a follow up that is negative. Cancer in full remission for more than five years after diagnosis are acceptable.
10. Verbal confirmation of autoimmune disease or if immune-compromised
11. Verbal confirmation of HIV, hepatitis B/C positive diagnosis
12. Current or history of hypertension but on a stable dose medication for ≥ 2 months will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the QI.
13. Type I or type II diabetes or use of diabetes medication
14. Significant cardiovascular event in the past 6 months. No significant cardiovascular event on stable medication may be included after assessment by the QI on a case by case basis
15. History or currently with kidney and liver diseases assessed by QI on a case by case basis, with the exception of kidney stone history in participants who are symptom free for 1 year
16. Verbal confirmation of current or pre-existing thyroid condition. Treatment on a stable dose medication for over 3 months will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the QI
17. Difficulties swallowing medications
18. Verbal confirmation of bleeding disorder
19. Blood disorders as determined by laboratory results
20. Acute or chronic illness of concern to the QI
21. Clinically significant abnormal laboratory results at screening as assessed by QI
22. Current use of blood thinners, with the exception of ASA 81 mg or less
23. Current use of prescribed medications that may cause constipation or affect the study outcomes as assessed by QI
24. Use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications or supplements or consumption of foods/drinks that may affect the study outcomes, unless willing to undergo an appropriate washout period prior to baseline is agreed upon after assessment by the QI.
25. Medicinal use of marijuana
26. Recreational use of marijuana, unless willing to undergo a 30-day washout prior to baseline
27. Alcohol or drug abuse (\< 1 year)
28. High alcohol intake (average of \>2 standar3d drinks per day or \>10 standard drinks per week)
29. Use of narcotics
30. Illicit drug use in the past 6 months as assessed by the QI
31. Current uses of tobacco or related products unless cessation 60 days prior to baseline
32. Blood donation during or within 30 days following conclusion of clinical trial
33. Participation in a clinical research trial within 30 days prior to enrollment will be assessed case-by-case by the QI
34. Verbal confirmation of dementia or known neuropsychological condition that, in the QI's opinion, could interfere with study participation.
35. Individuals who are cognitively impaired and/or who are unable to give informed consent
36. Any other chronic or active or unstable medical condition, that, in the opinion of the QI, may adversely affect the participant's ability to complete the study or its measures or pose significant risk to the participant