BACKGROUND:

Lactic acid bacteria have been suggested as a dietary strategy to enhance immune system activity.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the current work was to test the effects of a Lactobacillus casei fermented milk consumption on monocyte activity of middle-aged volunteers.

DESIGN:

Forty-five healthy volunteers, 24 women and 21 men (aged: 51 - 58 years), were randomized in two groups to receive three cups per day of a fermented milk containing L. casei DN114001 (108 - 1010/g) (n = 23), or placebo (n = 22), during 8 weeks. White blood cell count and the oxidative burst capacity of monocytes and granulocytes were examined with a FACScalibur. Measurements were performed at baseline and after the nutritional intervention, at day fifty-six.

RESULTS:

After the trial, no changes in immune cell proportions were detected in both groups, as well as in monocyte activity after the placebo consumption (p = 0.625). However, volunteers included in the probiotic-treated group increased (p = 0.029) their oxidative burst capacity of monocytes, and this increment inversely and significantly correlated with the intensity registered at baseline (r = -0.653, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS:

Results showed that daily intake of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei was able to module the oxidative burst capacity of monocyte subset in healthy middle-aged people, particularly in subjects with lower initial levels. Thus, this nutritional strategy could be considered to maintain immune competence in ageing.