How Beneficial is the Use of Probiotic Supplements for the Aging Gut?

Siobhán Cusack; Marcus J Claesson; Paul W O'Toole

Aging Health. 2011;7(2):179-186.

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

The specific health benefits of probiotic supplementation in aging populations remain relatively undefined. Although some probiotic research performed to date has focused on specific populations – particular disease groups or those in dynamic life stages such as the very young and older adults – dedicated studies of older subjects with a typical range of age-related conditions are few. Published studies also feature a narrow range of probiotic strains. Exploitation of strain specificity to modulate the composition and function of the microbiota is crucial to maximize the potential benefit of probiotics. A combination of prebiotic (dietary) and probiotic agents may prove most effective in targeted modulation of the microbiota. The efficacy of specific probiotic strains in modulating the microbiota of older populations is worth pursuing, although the role of antibiotics and polypharmacy (use of multiple medications) in influencing the potential benefits of probiotic intervention requires more dedicated study.

Introduction

Probiotics are live organisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, exert a health benefit to the host. They are a common feature of supermarket dairy aisles, pharmacy stores and health store shelves. The role that probiotics play in supporting human health has, with the introduction of more stringent regulations on health claims, become a major discussion point. The scientific strength behind health claims are being questioned and the rapid rise in sales of probiotics as a panacea for, in particular, digestive health problems, have led to the public seeking reassurance on the role and health benefits of probiotics.

However, there is a growing body of evidence that points to the benefit of probiotics in promoting and maintaining health in specific populations or health states (discussed later). It is no surprise that many food and nutrition companies have recently focused on older populations that undergo dramatic and dynamic physiological changes that impact on the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota.

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Sidebar

Executive Summary

Aging Population

Life expectancy is increasing globally, placing healthcare budgets under strain.
Research is focusing on ensuring that people not only live longer but also remain healthier for longer.

Intestinal Health

Age-related physiological changes and immunosenescence can impact on the protective function of the intestine.
Probiotics can help to support the barrier function of the intestine in later life.

Microbiota

The microbiota plays a protective role in human health.
Aging is one of several factors that can influence the composition, function and efficacy of the protective abilities of the human intestine.

Probiotics

Probiotics have been shown to promote health in aging populations.
Strain-specific probiotic intervention may benefit specific age-related conditions such as 'inflammaging'.
Dietary intervention with prebiotics may not deliver the same health benefits as a combination of dietary (prebiotic) and probiotic agents.
Probiotics do not provide a uniform effect – they have shown greatest benefit in subjects with the poorest health and therefore may be of greater benefit in specific population groups than in a generally healthy population.

Medications & Safety

Although some probiotic strains have been awarded 'generally regarded as safe' status, the use of probiotics as therapeutics needs to be examined on a strain- and population-specific basis in older individuals.
The impact of antibiotic use and polypharmacy on potential probiotic health benefits to aging populations has yet to be fully determined.
The potential benefit of probiotics in the promotion and maintenance of health in older populations justifies support of an expanded research focus in this area.

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