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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2022 Nov;133(5):2941-2953.
doi: 10.1111/jam.15747. Epub 2022 Aug 8.

Impact of a probiotic diet on well-being of healthy senior: THE PROBIOSENIOR PROJECT

Chiara Salvesi  1 , Stefania Silvi  1 , Dennis Fiorini  2 , Serena Scortichini  2 , Gianni Sagratini  3 , Francesco A Palermo  1 , Renato De Leone  2 , Nadaniela Egidi  2 , Lorella Fatone  2 , Carlo Cifani  3 , Amedeo Amedei  4 , Francesca Scocchera  5 , Mara Morici  5 , Beatrice Gatto  5 , Fausto Mannucci  6 , Valerio Valeriani  7 , Marco Malavasi  8 , Sara Servili  9 , Andrea Casula  10 , Andrea Cresci  11 , Ivano Corradetti  12 , Francesco Carpi  13 , Matteo Picciolini  13 , Maria Magdalena Coman  13 , Maria Cristina Verdenelli  13
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Impact of a probiotic diet on well-being of healthy senior: THE PROBIOSENIOR PROJECT

Chiara Salvesi et al. J Appl Microbiol. 2022 Nov.

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this work was to assess the effects of a probiotic diet on well-being of healthy seniors living in boarding and private homes in Marche Region, Italy. In particular, we focused on the modulation of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP), intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Methods and results: Ninety-seven healthy seniors took part in a double-blind, placebo-controlled feeding study (59 fed probiotics, 38 fed placebo) for 6 months. Each volunteer ingested daily one food product or a dietary supplement enriched with Synbio® blend (Synbiotec Srl, Camerino, Italy) or the placebo (control group). Blood and faecal samples were collected before and at the end of the intervention period to perform biochemical and microbiological analyses. The serum HsCRP difference value after 6 months of treatment was significantly higher in the probiotic group than placebo (p < 0.05). After the intervention, a significant increase in faecal lactobacilli and a bifidobacteria increase in more participants were observed in the probiotic group. The 16S NGS analysis on the probiotic group showed a decreasing trend of Proteobacteria at the end of the treatment and conversely, an increasing trend of Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia phyla, to which the increase of Akkermansiaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae contributes at the family level. Finally, total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and butyric acid were significantly higher in the probiotic group at the end of the treatment respect to the beginning.

Conclusions: Overall, this study emphasizes the beneficial anti-inflammageing effect of a prolonged diet based on functional foods enriched with Synbio® through the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and the consequent increase in the SCFA production.

Significance and impact of the study: Synbio® integration in elderly daily diet may be a preventive strategy to support healthy ageing.

Keywords: Synbio®; butyric acid; functional foods; gut microbiota; healthy ageing; probiotics; short-chain fatty acids.

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References

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