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Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) decrease the probability of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in aged adults, but it is dependent on Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score and the percentage of natural killer cells
Author(s) -
Girard Stephanie-Anne,
Nieves Carmelo,
Downes Eric C,
Christman Mary C,
Mai Volker,
Dahl Wendy J,
Duriancik David M,
Gardner Elizabeth M,
Barkley Phillip L,
Langkamp-Henken Bobbi
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.115.6
Subject(s) - placebo , medicine , upper respiratory tract infection , immunology , gastroenterology , pathology , alternative medicine
Previously, we showed a reduction of URTI in academically stressed students with GOS. This study determined the effect of GOS on risk of URTI in aged adults over cold/flu season. In a randomized, double‐blinded study, adults (66±1 y) received 0 g (n=38) or 5 g (n=43) of GOS for 24 wk. Nutritional status was evaluated at baseline (wk 0) using the MNA (score <24 out of 30 is associated with risk of malnutrition). Blood was drawn at wks 0, 3 (concurrent with seasonal influenza vaccine administration) and 5 (2 wk post‐vaccination). PBMCs were stimulated in vitro with PHA, and IFNγ production was quantified. Subpopulations of CD45+ cells were determined. Wk 0 MNA scores (27±1) and %NK cells at all wks (15±1%, 14±1%, 15±1%) were not different between groups; however, both interacted with the intervention on probability of URTI. As MNA score increased, probability of URTI decreased, and this effect was greater with GOS vs. placebo. As %NK cells increased, the probability of URTI decreased with GOS and slightly increased with placebo. Percent change in IFNγ between wk 0 and wks 3 (−26±5 vs 13±19, P=0.053) and 5 (−17±8 vs 35±27, P=0.07) differed for placebo vs GOS, respectively. GOS had a greater effect than placebo on decreasing the probability of URTI with improving nutritional status, and unlike placebo, GOS decreased the probability with increasing %NK cells. This effect may be via alterations in IFNγ. Grant Funding Source : Corn Products International