Probiotic intake can boost the body's immune response, study shows

CLEVELAND, Ohio A new study in the March issue of Postgraduate Medicine suggested that a strain of probiotic bacteria, GanedenBC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, PTA-6086), increases the body's immune response to viruses that cause common viral respiratory tract infections, such as colds and flu.

Study data showed significant increases in T-cell production of TNF-alpha, a key immune marker, versus control upon exposure to adenovirus and influenza A in healthy adults, who consumed a daily capsule of GanedenBC30 for 30 days.

The study measured the changes in blood TNF-alpha levels in 10 healthy adults prior to and following a 30 day regimen of GanedenBC30, which is marketed as a dietary supplement called Sustenex, and is also available in a variety of fortified packaged foods. Results showed a 250% increase in TNF-alpha levels with adenovirus, and a 1709% increase in TNF-alpha levels with influenza A, after subjects took the probiotics for a period of 30 days. Increased production of TNF-alpha in response to viral exposure indicates a heightened immunological effect.

"These results demonstrate the ability of GanedenBC30 to boost the immune system of healthy adults against viruses that cause some of the most common human illnesses," said Mira Baron, M.D., author of the study. "The study helps support the long-suspected belief about the beneficial effects of GanedenBC30 on the immune system and adds to the emerging body of evidence that probiotics can benefit healthy people as well as those with specific health issues.”