PD965 - EFFECT OF PROBIOTIC STRAIN ON LOW-GRADE INFLAMMATION IN OLDER ADULTS: A 12-WEEK PILOT STUDY

PD965

EFFECT OF PROBIOTIC STRAIN ON LOW-GRADE INFLAMMATION IN OLDER ADULTS: A 12-WEEK PILOT STUDY

S. Engel^1,*, N. Jimenez¹, A. Wellejus¹, T. Dinan^2,3,4

¹Human Health Biosolutions, Chr. Hansen A/S, part of Novonesis group, Horsholm, Denmark, ²Psychiatry, ³APC Microbiome, University College Cork, ⁴Atlantia Clinical Trials, Cork, Ireland

Rationale: Low-grade inflammation, indicated by elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), is associated with adverse health outcomes in elderly individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on hs-CRP and other systemic inflammatory markers in an elderly population with low-grade inflammation.

Methods: This 3-armed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study included 42 participants aged 60–85 years with baseline hs-CRP levels between 2.0–10.0 mg/L. Participants were randomized to receive a daily dose of the probiotic (Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bif038™ (DSM33873)), either 1 or 10 billion colony-forming units (CFU) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in hs-CRP from baseline to week 12. Secondary endpoints included changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), other systemic inflammatory markers, and validated quality of life and psychosocial well-being questionnaires (Short Form-36, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, WHO-Five Well-Being Index). Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used for statistical analyses, adjusting for baseline values.

Results: Bif038 supplementation at both 1 and 10 billion CFU/day did not significantly reduce hs-CRP or TNF-α compared to placebo. Exploratory endpoints demonstrated no consistent significant differences between the groups. Questionnaires and dietary intake variables showed no significant differences between groups. The intervention was well-tolerated, with adverse events being mild and unrelated. No safety concerns were observed based on routine blood tests.

Conclusion: In this pilot study, Bif038 did not significantly reduce hs-CRP in elderly individuals with low-grade inflammation. While Bif038 was well-tolerated and safe, further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to evaluate potential effects on biomarkers of inflammation.

Disclosure of Interest: S. Engel Other: Employee of Novonesis, N. Jimenez Other: Employee of Novonesis, A. Wellejus Other: Employee of Novonesis, T. Dinan: None declared