A Closer Look at Probiotics and Immune Health
With everything going on in the world, many are asking how they can support their overall health and immune system. We would like to take a second to discuss the immune system and how some of our probiotic strains have been shown to support overall immune health and well-being.
Understanding the Immune System
The immune system is a network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by microbes (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi) that can cause infection and disease. When a microbe is recognized, white blood cells are triggered to make antibodies to help rid the body of the invader.
The key organs of the immune system include:
- Skin: First line of defense that provides a physical barrier that keeps microbes from entering the body
- Bone Marrow: Makes white blood cells that protect the body from microbes
- Lymph Organs: Positioned throughout the body and are home to the white blood cells
The Immune System + Probiotics
Our immune health may be one way to strengthen defenses. In general, prevention is more effective than therapeutic treatment. Thus, in the continued search for alternative ways to optimize immune health, probiotics have emerged as candidates.
A healthy gut microbiota and the immune system help regulate and support one another throughout life. The microbiota provides direct protection against pathogens through competition for nutrients, by affecting the local microenvironment, by the production of bacteriocins, or by down-modulating the expression of virulence factors.
Given that our microbes shape our immunity, can we bolster our defenses with probiotics? Many prior studies report probiotic value in stemming respiratory tract infections in humans. However, the studies varied in study design, outcome measures, probiotics, dose and matrices used. Although probiotics appear to be beneficial in respiratory illnesses, the impact of probiotics on specific viruses has not been investigated sufficiently.1
UAS Labs’ Probiotics for Immune Support
We are proud to offer a variety of probiotics (single strains and blends) that have been clinically studied for their support of the immune system. Check them out below
Blend: L. acidophilus DDS®-1 and B. lactis UABla-12™:
- Helps promote optimal health in children
- Supports immune health
- Supports skin health
- Supports respiratory tract health
- Supports fewer missed school days
Single Strain: L. plantarum PPLP-217™
- Proven safe for infants
- Supports healthy growth in the first days of life
- Assists a developing digestive and immune system
- Helps promote a healthy immune system
- Shown to support respiratory tract health
Single Strain: L. reuteri LRC®
- Supports digestive and immune health
- Supports healthy levels of key biomarkers hs-CRP and Fibrinogen which assists in responding to inflammation
- Promotes healthy Vitamin D Levels in blood which plays a key role in a well-functioning immune system
- Naturally supports healthy total and LDL-cholesterol levels already within the normal range
While there is still research to be done, there is a clear connection between probiotics, the microbiome, and immune health. If you would like to learn more about the clinical studies referenced above, or any of our probiotic offerings, please complete the below form and one of our experts will be in touch with you!
References
- International Probiotics Association 2020
