11.23.22
A probiotic strain branded as LC40 by Biosearch Life, a Kerry company, was linked to a 73% reduction in incidence of gastrointestinal infections in infants born by Cesarean section. The study was published in Frontiers in Pediatrics.
According to the authors of the study, Cesarean section disrupts the microbiota colonization process, and it is theorized that this can potentially compromise immune development.
“Immune system maturation is dependent on intestinal colonization. The gut-associated lymphoid tissues, such as the Peyer’s patches, the mesenteric lymph nodes, and the isolated lymphoid follicles require signals from the intestinal microbiota to ensure complete development and maturation,” the authors wrote. “This learning process determines an individual’s immune response throughout their life.”
Breastfeeding is linked to benefits in immune development, but where it is not possible, it may be suitable to use formula that includes the bacteria naturally present in human milk, they wrote.
LC40, a probiotic strain isolated from human milk, was associated with a 73% reduction in GI infections compared to a control formula which did not contain probiotics in 173 infants born by Cesarean section. Additionally, although pooled results showed a reduction of respiratory infections of 14% in the probiotic group, the difference was not statistically significant.
The authors called for more research to clarify the role of probiotics in balancing the effects of C-section on immune system maturation.
“Infectious disease are the most common type of illness in infants, and there’s evidence that they’re more common following C-section deliveries,” said Ruth Blanco, head of clinical research at Biosearch Life. “Clinical studies have already shown that the inclusion of LC40 in formula can significantly reduce the risk of infection. The reason this new analysis is so exciting is that it indicates that the effect it offers is even greater in infants delivered by C-section, demonstrating huge potential for formulas that help reduce infection in a group that can be at higher risk.”
According to the authors of the study, Cesarean section disrupts the microbiota colonization process, and it is theorized that this can potentially compromise immune development.
“Immune system maturation is dependent on intestinal colonization. The gut-associated lymphoid tissues, such as the Peyer’s patches, the mesenteric lymph nodes, and the isolated lymphoid follicles require signals from the intestinal microbiota to ensure complete development and maturation,” the authors wrote. “This learning process determines an individual’s immune response throughout their life.”
Breastfeeding is linked to benefits in immune development, but where it is not possible, it may be suitable to use formula that includes the bacteria naturally present in human milk, they wrote.
LC40, a probiotic strain isolated from human milk, was associated with a 73% reduction in GI infections compared to a control formula which did not contain probiotics in 173 infants born by Cesarean section. Additionally, although pooled results showed a reduction of respiratory infections of 14% in the probiotic group, the difference was not statistically significant.
The authors called for more research to clarify the role of probiotics in balancing the effects of C-section on immune system maturation.
“Infectious disease are the most common type of illness in infants, and there’s evidence that they’re more common following C-section deliveries,” said Ruth Blanco, head of clinical research at Biosearch Life. “Clinical studies have already shown that the inclusion of LC40 in formula can significantly reduce the risk of infection. The reason this new analysis is so exciting is that it indicates that the effect it offers is even greater in infants delivered by C-section, demonstrating huge potential for formulas that help reduce infection in a group that can be at higher risk.”