THE ROLE OF PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN ELDERLY

Abstract

Elderly tends to be more susceptible to infections and chronic diseases. Malnutrition, immunosenescence, and changes in the gut microbiota affect susceptibility to the elderly. Several studies have shown that there is a change in the composition and variability of gut microbiota as we grow older. These changes are considered to increasing the risk of infection and play a role in the pathogenesis of various diseases in elderly. Supplementation of probiotics is expected to overcome the microbiota changes in the elderly and therefore improve the health of the elderly.

In this review we will discuss about normal gut microbiota, changes in gut microbiota in the elderly, and effects of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics supplementation in the elderly. We will also review recent studies on the health benefits of probiotics for the elderly immune system as a new strategy for healthy aging. Recent data suggests that supplementation of probiotics can increase the immunity of the elderly.

Further research is needed so that probiotic supplementation can be applied in clinical setting as a supporting therapy to improve the health of the elderly.