Can the elderly take OptiBac Probiotics?
Older people can take probiotics to supplement their naturally lower levels of friendly bacteria.
Levels of good bacteria, particularly Bifidobacteria in the large intestine, have been found to plummet up to 1,000 fold in individuals from 55 to 60 years old. This imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is thought to largely contribute to older people's greater sensitivity to infections of the stomach and intestines. At an older age we are often susceptible to health conditions including IBD, IBS, bloating, diarrhoea and indigestion, all of which originate in the gut. Supporting your body's balance of good bacteria can help maintain healthy digestion, a strong immune system, and overall vitality - especially in the elderly. OptiBac Probiotics are natural supplements which do not interfere with medications. If on a course of antibiotics, one should wait one hour before taking the probiotics.
For older customers we recommend For daily wellbeing or For daily immunity which have appropriately higher levels of Bifidobacteria probiotics and are priced at just over £10 for one month. For a premium probiotic see For daily wellbeing EXTRA Strength which contains 20 billion probiotics per daily dose, including L. acidophilus NCFM®; a strain tested1 in particular to result improve immune markers including PGE2 and IgA.
NB: Probiotics are not advised for severely immunosuppressed patients, patients post-cardiac surgery, patients with pancreatitis, patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or patients with blood in the stool.
1. Ouwehand AC, et al. (2009) Influence of a combination of L. acidophilus NCFM® and lactitol on healthy elderly: intestinal and immune parameters. J Nutr. Feb; 101(3):367-75.