A synbiotic supplement taken for two weeks may improve the gut and immune health of senior citizens, according to a new study.
The research comes from food ingredient manufacturer Danisco and has been published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
Approximately 51 Finnish seniors over the age of 65 participated in the study and were all users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
Past research has found these drugs may be linked to poor intestinal health.
Danisco’s researchers gave the seniors a synbiotic drug, a combination probiotic and prebiotic product for two weeks to investigate any benefits garnered from the supplement. At the conclusion of the study, it was found the seniors using the synbiotic supplement fared better in their digestive health when compared to the group who were given a placebo.
"While not specifically investigated, it was interesting that a number of subjects from the synbiotic group enquired whether and where the product could be purchased as it made them ‘feel good’," lead researcher Dr Arthur Ouwehand said.
Seniors interested in improving their digestive health may want to look for yogurt with probiotics, which can be found most grocery stores.
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